Businesses have legal rights when it comes to handling fake customer reviews on Google, especially when the review is defamatory, fraudulent, or posted with malicious intent. Under U.S. law, businesses can report and request the removal of fake reviews through Google’s review dispute system, citing violations of Google’s policies, which prohibit deceptive content, spam, and conflicts of interest. If Google does not remove the review, businesses may respond publicly to dispute its validity, ensuring that potential customers see their side of the story while maintaining professionalism. In cases where a review is provably false and damaging, a business can send a cease-and-desist letter to the reviewer, demanding removal. If the review continues to cause measurable harm, legal action may be an option, including defamation lawsuits, especially if the false statements accuse the business of fraud, illegal activity, or negligence. While Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects Google from being sued over user-generated content, companies can seek a court order to remove the fake review. The key to protecting a business’s reputation is a combination of proactive monitoring, professional responses, and legal recourse when necessary.
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