Trustpilot, a leading consumer review platform, has emerged victorious in a legal battle against websites selling fake reviews, marking a significant milestone in online review authenticity.
- The High Court ruled that TPR, SMM Service Buy, and SMM 420 breached Trustpilot’s terms of use by selling illegitimate reviews, infringing on the platform’s trademarks.
- Trustpilot is urging internet service providers and payment entities to dismantle these violating websites as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure genuine reviews.
- This victory aligns with the forthcoming Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, enabling stricter penalties for those engaging in such fraudulent activities from April 2025.
- In 2023 alone, Trustpilot removed 3.3 million fake reviews, maintaining a consistent removal rate of 6% against total reviews annually.
The recent ruling by the High Court represents a significant step for Trustpilot in its mission to purge fraudulent activities from its platform. By targeting TPR, SMM Service Buy, and SMM 420, the court acknowledged these entities were unlawfully enticing businesses to breach Trustpilot’s terms and infringing on its trademarks by selling fake reviews.
Following this legal success, Trustpilot has called upon internet service providers and financial transaction processors to eliminate access to these offending sites. This request is part of a broader strategy to maintain the integrity of the review platform and ensure that consumers can trust the reviews they read.
This legal win is timely, as it coincides with preparations for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which will come into effect in April 2025. This new legislation will empower the Competition and Markets Authority to rigorously enforce laws against the purchasing and procurement of fake reviews, further discouraging such practices.
Anoop Joshi, Trustpilot’s Chief Trust Officer, emphasised the importance of this legal action, stating, “This is a significant moment in the fight against websites that sell fake reviews, and we want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate review seller activity on Trustpilot.” Joshi highlighted that the company acted preemptively before the new UK law was implemented, showcasing their commitment to protecting the platform’s integrity.
Over the past two years, Trustpilot has not only pursued legal actions but has also actively removed millions of fake reviews. In 2023, the platform eliminated 3.3 million fake reviews, demonstrating a consistent removal rate of 6% of all reviews received each year. This proactive approach underscores Trustpilot’s dedication to fostering a trustworthy environment for consumers and businesses alike.
Trustpilot’s legal victory marks a pivotal advance in the battle against fraudulent online reviews, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a trustworthy platform.
