Glassdoor Reviews and Defamation: Can You Sue Over a False Employee Review?

Glassdoor allows current and former employees to leave anonymous reviews of employers. While many reviews are genuine, some contain false and defamatory statements that can seriously damage a company's reputation and ability to recruit. This guide examines the legal options available to employers and individuals defamed on Glassdoor.

Why Glassdoor Defamation Is Challenging

Glassdoor presents unique challenges for defamation claims because:

• Anonymity — reviewers post anonymously, making it difficult to identify the author
• US hosting — Glassdoor is a US company, which can complicate jurisdictional issues and enforcement
• High visibility — Glassdoor reviews appear prominently in Google search results for company names
• Recruitment impact — prospective employees routinely check Glassdoor before applying, making false reviews commercially devastating

The Section 5 Defence for Website Operators

Under section 5 of the Defamation Act 2013, website operators have a defence if they can show they did not post the statement. However, the operator must respond to a formal complaint by:

1. Providing the complainant with a means to contact the poster
2. Removing the statement if the poster does not respond within the prescribed time

If Glassdoor fails to follow the section 5 procedure, it may lose the defence and become liable as a publisher.

Norwich Pharmacal Orders to Unmask Reviewers

When a Glassdoor review is anonymous, you may need to apply for a Norwich Pharmacal order — a court order requiring Glassdoor to disclose the identity of the reviewer. Key considerations include:

• You must demonstrate a prima facie case of defamation
• The order must be necessary and proportionate
• US First Amendment protections do not apply in UK courts, but enforcement of the order in the US may require additional proceedings
• Glassdoor has historically resisted disclosure but has complied with properly served UK court orders

Glassdoor's Own Removal Process

Before pursuing legal action, you should exhaust Glassdoor's internal processes:

1. Flag the review — use Glassdoor's content flagging tool to report reviews that violate their Community Guidelines
2. Employer response — post a measured, factual response to the review (avoid being defensive or aggressive)
3. Content moderation request — contact Glassdoor's content team with specific evidence that the review contains false statements of fact

Note that Glassdoor distinguishes between opinions (protected) and false statements of fact (potentially removable). A review saying "I didn't enjoy working there" is opinion; a review falsely claiming "the company commits tax fraud" is a factual allegation.

Building Your Case

To succeed in a Glassdoor defamation claim, gather the following evidence:

• Screenshots of the review with timestamps and URL
• Evidence that the statements are factually false (internal records, audits, HR documents)
• Evidence of serious harm — lost recruits, client losses, or measurable reputational damage
• Any correspondence with Glassdoor about the review