The service will now restrict reviews on places that post fakes, and warn users about such behavior.
Google Maps is stepping up its game to combat the rise of fake reviews on business pages, sending a strong message to businesses trying to game the system. The search giant is tightening enforcement of its Fake Engagement policy, making it harder for businesses to mislead users with fabricated reviews. Now, businesses that violate these rules will face real consequences, including the temporary removal of reviews, blocking of new ratings, and even public warnings displayed directly on their profiles.
These restrictions were first introduced in the UK earlier this year, but as reported by Search Engine Roundtable, Google updated its support page in mid-September to hint at a global rollout. However, as of now, the visible business warnings—like the one posted on X (formerly Twitter) by digital marketing expert Mike Blumenthal—are only being displayed to users in the UK.
According to Google’s Prohibited and Restricted Content Policy, all contributions on Google Maps must represent genuine, first-hand experiences at the business or location. Any content that is manipulated, inaccurate, or incentivized—such as reviews left in exchange for payment, discounts, or freebies—is strictly forbidden. Google is also cracking down on more technical forms of review manipulation, like those that use multiple accounts, emulators, or altered operating systems to artificially boost ratings.
While the exact mechanisms Google uses to flag fake reviews remain somewhat unclear, the company is sending a clear signal that shady practices won’t go unnoticed. The possibility of being publicly called out could be a powerful deterrent for businesses tempted to inflate their reputations. Instead of simply erasing suspicious reviews, Google’s new approach may involve displaying a prominent warning to users, alerting them that the business in question has been involved in deceptive practices.
This shift represents a significant change in how Google handles review manipulation. Businesses that were once able to quietly scrub away fake reviews may now face greater public accountability. For users, this added transparency could be a valuable tool for making more informed decisions about where to eat, shop, or stay. Rather than falling prey to artificially boosted ratings, they’ll have a clearer sense of which businesses to trust—and which to avoid.
Google’s proactive measures signal its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its platform, ensuring that users can rely on the information they see. With this new crackdown on fake reviews, the company is making it clear: honesty is not just encouraged, it’s enforced. As this policy expands beyond the UK, businesses worldwide will need to take note, adjusting their practices to align with Google’s guidelines or risk facing the consequences.
