Product reviews play a significant role in helping potential customers make informed decisions about purchasing a product or service. In the UK, specific laws and legislation regulate product reviews and testimonials. Businesses must understand and comply with these laws to avoid legal consequences and maintain customers' trust in reviews and review sites:
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Prohibition of Fake Reviews: Under UK law, businesses are prohibited from pretending to be customers and writing reviews about their products or other businesses' products. Commissioning third parties to write fake reviews is also considered illegal, and businesses may be liable for their actions.
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Transparency and Inducements: Offering inducements, such as money or gifts, to customers in exchange for positive reviews is against the law. Review transparency is essential, and any payments provided for reviews must be disclosed to the reader to ensure they are aware of potential bias.
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Compliance Requirements: Businesses should not pretend to be customers and write reviews, commission third parties for fake reviews, or offer inducements for positive reviews. Businesses can maintain consumer trust and contribute to a fair and transparent online marketplaceby complying with these requirements.
See the full article for more, including the vital Do's and Don'ts:
NB This article has been written with best efforts based on current (16/07/24) publically available information. It is not intended as legal advice or to be relied upon in any way. For advice or questions, consult a specialist lawyer.