● The short answer
Yes. In the US, the FTC's Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule, in effect since October 21, 2024, bans writing, buying or selling fake reviews, undisclosed insider reviews, sentiment-based incentives, company-controlled "independent" review sites and review suppression. Courts can impose civil penalties for knowing violations, which the FTC lists at up to $53,088 per violation. Platforms like Google also ban fake reviews.
Key takeaways
- The FTC's Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule has been in effect since October 21, 2024.
- It bans fake, bought and undisclosed insider reviews, sentiment-based incentives and review suppression.
- Courts can impose civil penalties for knowing violations, listed by the FTC at up to $53,088 each as of late 2025.
What the law says
Fake reviews were already risky under the FTC Act's ban on deceptive practices. In August 2024 the FTC finalized a specific rule, 16 CFR Part 465, that took effect on October 21, 2024. Its significance is that it lets the FTC seek civil penalties for knowing violations, not just orders to stop. In December 2025 the FTC sent warning letters to 10 companies about possible violations, noting penalties of up to $53,088 per violation. That figure is adjusted for inflation, so check the FTC for the current amount.
State consumer protection laws can also apply, and review platforms have their own bans. Google's policy prohibits paid reviews, conflict-of-interest reviews and incentivized content, and it removes them.
The how is where we come in.
What we walk through with you, for your business:
- What the FTC rule bans
- What is still allowed
- A quick compliance check
- Our take
Every business is different, so the plan is too. Tell us where you want to show up and we will show you what it takes.
Talk to usMore questions
Is it illegal for my employees to review my business?
Under the FTC rule, insider reviews are allowed only with clear, conspicuous disclosure of the relationship, and they can still be deceptive if they materially lift your rating. Google bans conflict-of-interest reviews from current or former employees outright. The simplest policy: staff do not review the business, period.
Are AI-generated reviews illegal?
Reviews that pretend to come from a real customer but were written by AI, or that describe experiences that never happened, are fake reviews under the FTC rule. Using AI to help a real customer polish their own honest words is a different situation, but the review must still reflect their actual experience and opinion.
Sources
- FTC: Federal Trade Commission Announces Final Rule Banning Fake Reviews and Testimonials
- FTC: The Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule: Questions and Answers
- FTC: FTC Warns 10 Companies About Possible Violations of the Agency's New Consumer Review Rule
- Google Maps Help: Prohibited and restricted content
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