Google Maps has long been a go-to platform for millions of users seeking information about businesses. However, with the rise of AI technologies, fake and AI-generated reviews have started to threaten the platform’s credibility.

Google Maps is now taking stricter measures

In response to this issue, Google has updated its Fake Engagement policy and begun taking tougher actions against businesses that resort to fake reviews.

As reported by Search Engine Roundtable and confirmed by shared screenshots on social media, Google now displays a visible warning on the Google Maps profiles of businesses that request fake reviews. Under the updated policy, businesses that violate the rules face several restrictions.

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These restrictions include the removal of fake reviews, a temporary block on receiving new reviews and ratings, and a public warning on the business’s page indicating that fake reviews were removed. Previously, this practice was limited to businesses in the UK, but as of mid-September, it has been expanded to cover businesses in all regions.

Currently, these warnings are only visible to some users in the UK. However, Google’s firm stance suggests that this measure will soon be implemented globally, and all businesses requesting fake reviews will see these warnings on their Google Maps profiles.

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