Chris Silver Smith observed how Google has up to date its Google Maps contributed content material coverage and eliminated a line that prohibited review-gating. The road that was eliminated was “do not discourage or prohibit unfavourable opinions or selectively solicit optimistic opinions from prospects.”
Chris posted on Twitter saying “It seems Google has eliminated its coverage that particularly banned review-gating. Examine the Dec ’21 copy of the coverage (proper) with present (left).” Right here share this screenshot of the insurance policies:
It seems Google has eliminated its coverage that particularly banned review-gating. Examine the Dec ’21 copy of the coverage (proper) with present (left).
Maybe Google felt review-gating qualifies as unlawful, after the FTC fined Style Nova, so the particular rule is now superfluous? pic.twitter.com/aIIEdqa0Gy
— Chris Silver Smith (@si1very) August 22, 2022
In January, the @FTC fined Style Nova for review-gating, so, it might be that Google considers this to be coated by its guidelines in opposition to unlawful content material. See: https://t.co/vyEv9WOjRN
— Chris Silver Smith (@si1very) August 22, 2022
Mike Blumenthal did clarify that some insurance policies have been moved, however this was not noted:
I had diligently seemed via that, and can’t discover equal language about “discouraging or prohibiting unfavourable opinions”. I can see the phrase “discouraging” as being doubtlessly too imprecise. They doubtless want one thing extra particular to spell out review-gating schemes.
— Chris Silver Smith (@si1very) August 22, 2022
So I requested Google about this and Google defined the faux engagement coverage does write “Contributions to Google Maps ought to replicate a real expertise at a spot or enterprise. Faux engagement is just not allowed and can be eliminated.”
The coverage notes that this consists of:
- Paying, incentivizing or encouraging the posting of content material that doesn’t characterize a real expertise.
- Content material that’s not based mostly on an actual expertise and doesn’t precisely characterize the placement or product in query.
- Content material that has been incentivized by a enterprise in trade for reductions, free items and/or providers.
- Content material that has been posted by a competitor to undermine a enterprise or product’s popularity.
- Content material that has been posted from a number of accounts to control a spot’s score.
Discussion board dialogue at Twitter.
