U.K. competition and markets regulator wields new power to combat fake online reviews

Fake_Reviews_web

Fake reviews of products and services are a global phenomenon, but regulators are beginning to use newly expanded powers to protect buyers and honest competitors. In April, the U.K. will become the latest government to introduce new rules to penalize abuses and protect consumers and smaller digital businesses. This follows action by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in August and ongoing enforcement cases in EU member states.

Given the global nature of digital products and sales, compliance managers must now ensure their organizations are prepared in multiple regions.

The U.K.’s new powers to protect consumers from fake reviews are being introduced under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA). They are intended to help the 89 percent of people who rely on reviews when choosing goods and services. The regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), estimates that reviews influence 23 billion pounds (U.S. $29 billion) of U.K. consumer spending each year.

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