Laws Governing Internet Reviews

Lawyers Guide

An individual or business is easily able to post fake reviews about a business online. However, this may be considered defamation. In some instances, legal action may be taken against the posters or website if the content is false and can be proven to be defamation.

  • ContentDisparagement Law and Your Reviews on the Internet

    An individual is able to post negative feedback online about a business when the information is truthful and valid. Online comments may be about any product or service. However, if the data or comments are negative and incorrect or flat-out lies, the person posting the comments may still be subject to disparagement laws.

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  • ContentFake Business Reviews - Legal Options

    When someone runs a business, he or she may run into fake reviews about the product or services offered and need to seek a legal remedy to the situation. It is generally crucial to hire a lawyer or consult with a legal representative to discover what legal options are available and how to pursue them against the reviewer.

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  • ContentHow to Legally Fight Businesses that Are Posting Fake Good Reviews on the Internet

    Recognizing the power of first-hand user experiences, some businesses flood review sites with positive reviews about their product or service by paying writers to manufacture this content. Rather than reading a real review by someone who has actually used the product or service, the consumer is duped by someone who has no contact with the product or service other than a paycheck.

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  • ContentLegal Actions against Websites Posting Fake Reviews

    Many consumers report looking over reviews before purchasing a product or service. This has been made easier by the Internet and the easy ability for consumers to include reviews. However, it has also given a forum for consumers to post negative reviews about businesses and individuals that portrays them in a negative light. In some instances, legal action can be taken against posters or websites if the conduct amounts to defamation.

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  • ContentWhy Writing Fake Good Reviews to Boost Your Business May Be Illegal

    National studies have found that many consumers check online reviews before making a purchase. Additionally, many consumers directly cite such reviews for the reason why they chose a particular product. Hoping to tap into the upside of this strategy, some businesses encourage consumers to post positive reviews.

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  • ContentLegality of Posting Online Reviews of Products

    Posting online reviews for products or to inform consumers about the website is a legal gray area in general. However, if these reviews are from the company, family or friends of the business or fake, this is considered a violation per the Federal Trade Commission.

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  • ContentLosing Business Because of Online Defamation: Fake Accounts

    The loss of business interactions, clients, accounts and revenue is all possible when someone creates a fake social media account and issues negative comments and feedback. Because of this it may be necessary to seek legal action against the perpetrator for compensation or another remedy through the use of a lawyer.

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  • ContentDoctors Suing Patients for Bad Online Reviews

    Some doctors will sue a patient if he or she leaves an online review that reflects poorly on his or her services or practice or when a patient appears to engage in a form of defamation that casts a negative light on the professional. In these situations, the patient may go to court to defend against the lawsuit and pay thousands in legal fees.

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  • ContentI'm Being Sued for Posting a Bad Review on the Internet

    In today’s technological world, it is much easier for a client or customer to leave negative feedback about a business after having a bad experience with them. While a lawsuit may be filed by the business to retaliate, the legal grounds for such a claim may not be met depending on the circumstances of the case.

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  • ContentLegality of Paying for Online Reviews

    Online reviews for products, services and amenities through websites and companies draw customers and clients in for business. However, some of these organizations pay for the online reviews, which could be in the gray legal area.

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  • ContentHow to Spot a Fake Online Review

    Online reviews are increasingly becoming one of the first and most influential indicators consumers look to and consider when forming their opinions of a business’s products or services. Rapidly replacing more traditional consumer research methods, online reviews are now arguably the single biggest determining factor in the purchasing decision process.

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  • Content5 Benefits of Hiring an Internet Defamation Lawyer

    Has someone posted something just straight up false and malicious about you on the Internet? Or, someone has written an entirely fake Google review about your local restaurant or business? Or, maybe a news site has wrongly published a piece accusing you of having committed an egregious crime?

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  • ContentLawsuits Regarding Fake Reviews

    When someone writes a fake review for a website, product or service, it is possible he or she could be sued by the company. It is essential to research and review the law before posting erroneous details and information.

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