Are fake reviews illegal in the UK? Yes — fake reviews can violate consumer protection law and, where they contain false factual allegations, they can constitute defamation. This guide explains the overlapping legal frameworks, your rights as a business or individual, and how to get fake reviews removed.
Consumer Protection Law
Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs), fake reviews are a prohibited commercial practice. Specifically, it is unlawful to:
- Post fake positive reviews of your own business (astroturfing)
- Post fake negative reviews of a competitor
- Pay for fake reviews without disclosure
- Suppress genuine negative reviews while displaying only positive ones
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has taken enforcement action against businesses involved in fake review schemes. In 2022, the CMA secured commitments from major review platforms to improve detection and removal of fake reviews.
When Fake Reviews Are Defamation
A fake review crosses into defamation territory when it contains false statements of fact about a specific business or individual. For example, a review falsely alleging that a restaurant served food that caused food poisoning, or that a tradesperson did dangerous electrical work, is a defamatory statement actionable under the Defamation Act 2013.
The Platform's Role
Review platforms — Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, Yelp — have their own reporting mechanisms. However, platforms are often slow to remove reviews and may refuse without a court order. A formal solicitor's letter citing defamation and the Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002 is typically more effective than a platform report alone.
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How to Get Fake Reviews Removed
- Report the review through the platform's own mechanisms
- If the platform refuses, instruct a solicitor to send a formal notice
- If the reviewer can be identified, a solicitor can send a pre-action letter demanding removal
- If the reviewer is anonymous, a Norwich Pharmacal Order can compel the platform to disclose their identity
- As a last resort, a court injunction can order removal
Related Reading
Fake Google review defamation | Trustpilot defamation removal | Review platform defamation
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