How Can Policymakers Deter Fake Online Reviews?

To attract customers, some businesses have taken to posting fake reviews online to manipulate their own reputation or that of their competitors. These fake reviews deceive customers into buying goods or services of unknown or substandard quality, damage honest businesses’ reputations, and influence billions in e-commerce. Unfortunately, while industry and government have taken significant steps to address their proliferation, the prevalence of fake reviews has likely grown alongside the digital economy.

Watch ITIF's Center for Data Innovation's panel discussion about the prevalence of fake online reviews, their impact on companies and consumers alike, and steps policymakers can take to stop their spread.

• Watch here, or on datainnovation.org