Posted on 25 March, 2022.

According to research by the European Commission almost two thirds of online shops and platforms triggered doubts about the reliability of consumer reviews. In 144 out of the 223 websites checked, authorities couldn’t confirm that businesses were doing enough to ensure authentic reviews.

The European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) have screened websites on online consumer reviews. The CPC is a network of authorities responsible for EU consumer protection laws.

223 major websites checked

Authorities of 26 Member States, Iceland and Norway checked 223 major websites for misleading consumer reviews. Almost two thirds of online shops, marketplaces, booking websites, search engines and comparison service sites triggered doubts about the reliability of the reviews.

Of the 223 websites that were checked for 144 of them authorities couldn’t confirm that these merchants were taking action to make sure that reviews were posted by consumers that actually used the product or service reviewed. “Consumers very often rely on online reviews when shopping or booking online. I don’t want consumers to be tricked. I want them to be able to interact in a trustworthy environment. I insist on one specific point: online businesses must provide consumers with clear and visible information on the reliability of such reviews. Today’s results are a clear call for action. We will ensure EU law is respected”, said Didier Reynders, Commission for Justice.

Original Post: https://ecommercenews.eu/majority-of-platforms-violate-eu-law-with-fake-reviews/