Review bombing has become a way of life, with shows like Star Wars: Acolyte being riddled with fake reviews attacking the series. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against fake and artificial intelligence-generated reviews. But that doesn’t mean the federal government will show up at your door if you leave a negative review.
As stated on the official FTC website, the new rules do not target individuals who write negative reviews out of malicious intent. Instead, it pursues reviews written by humans or artificial intelligence that receive compensation in exchange for favorable coverage and false recommendations. These practices artificially suppress real reviews and often misrepresent their products.
“False reviews not only waste people’s time and money, but they also pollute the market and divert business away from honest competitors,” FTC Chairman Lina Khan said in a statement. “Fighting deception by strengthening the FTC Toolkit for Sex Advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from deception, shine a spotlight on businesses that illegally rig the system, and promote fair, honest, and competitive markets.”
Essentially, companies will no longer be allowed to buy reviews unless they state that they are written by artificial intelligence or by people who have never actually used the product. Businesses are also prohibited from offering any kind of incentive to genuine consumers for leaving reviews, whether positive or negative.
Now that the new rule has been adopted, it will take effect 60 days after being published in the Federal Register.
