Google Maps will start warning users about establishments that post fake reviews. Business profiles that violate Google's policy will face restrictions such as deletion and blocking of reviews, as well as rating blocking. This was reported by The Verge.
Restrictions on business profiles were introduced in the UK earlier this year, but the service's support page was recently updated, and it looks like the restrictions will now be in effect worldwide.
Google's policy on prohibited and restricted content stipulates that materials on Maps "should reflect the actual experience of being in a location."
Business pages are not allowed to display content that inaccurately "represents the place or product in question" or that has been induced by providing reviewers with payment, discounts, or free services.
It is unclear how Google will determine exactly which reviews violate these rules, but the threat of public shaming may be enough to deter some companies from trying to artificially inflate their ratings. The warning may also help users avoid visiting places that Google considers unreliable.