Blurred background image

Dubious Digital Reviews: the Online Reviews Violating Laws

Around 2/3 of ecommerce stores trigger doubts over the reliability of consumer reviews, according to new research by the European Commission. 

Of 223 websites that were analyzed, authorities couldn’t confirm whether 144 online businesses were doing enough to ensure authentic reviews. 

The research was carried out with the help of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC), which is a network of authorities responsible for consumer protection laws of the European Union (EU). 

The issue of fake reviews is an important one because more than 70% of consumers rely on reviews when it comes to booking holiday accommodation. In terms of younger people, an incredible 91% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This makes reviews crucial to ecommerce. Dubious Digital Reviews: the Online Reviews Violating Laws

The websites that they checked included ecommerce stores, marketplaces, booking websites, search engines, and comparison sites. 

“Consumers very often rely on online reviews when shopping or booking online,” said Didier Reynders, Commission for Justice. “I don’t want consumers to be tricked. I want them to be able to interact in a trustworthy environment. I insist on one specific point: online businesses must provide consumers with clear and visible information on the reliability of such reviews.  

“Today’s results are a clear call for action. We will ensure EU law is respected.” 

Of the websites analyzed, 104 don’t inform users how reviews are collected, processed, and published. Just 84 websites mentioned this information on the review page itself, while the others put it in small print in their legal terms and conditions sections. 

It’s too often the case that consumers don’t even have the ability to authenticate reviews. Half of the websites analyzed didn’t contain information about how it stops fake reviews. Dubious Digital Reviews: the Online Reviews Violating Laws

In their conclusion, they declared that 55% of the analyzed websites violated the EU’s Unfair Commerce Practices Directive, which requires websites to present accurate information to consumers so that they can make informed decisions. 

This is even more pertinent because in May, new legislation will make it illegal to sell, buy, and submit false consumer reviews in order to promote products. 

PS: ArganoUV is one of the world’s leading digital products & experiences specialists. Contact us to see how we can work together. 

Related Ideas

If you got value from this article, you may enjoy these other articles, as well. We’re always adding value!

Moving Fast with Mobile: How Leica Uses Contentful to Transform Mobile Performance
  • ArganoUV
  • Commerce
  • Contentful

Moving Fast with Mobile: How Leica Uses Contentful to Transform Mobile Performance

Why Leica Microsystems decided to switch its content management system to Contentful for its new relaunch...
What is the Difference Between a CMS & a DXP?
  • ArganoUV
  • Adobe Experience Manager
  • Commerce
  • Contentful

What is the Difference Between a CMS & a DXP?

So what is the difference between a content management system (CMS) and a digital experience platform...
A Unified Digital Estate: Degroof Petercam & Contentful
  • ArganoUV
  • Commerce
  • Contentful

A Unified Digital Estate: Degroof Petercam & Contentful

For a unified digital content estate, independent financial partner Degroof Petercam switched its content over to...

Latest ideas

Our latest thinking about SF Commerce Cloud.

Core eCommerce Competencies
  • ArganoUV
  • Commerce

Core eCommerce Competencies

Core payment competencies in ecommerce.
The Benefits of eCommerce for Independent Pharmacies
  • ArganoUV
  • Pharma

The Benefits of eCommerce for Independent Pharmacies

Why go online if you’re an independent pharmacy?
Key Features for All eCommerce Pharmacies
  • ArganoUV
  • Pharma

Key Features for All eCommerce Pharmacies

What are the key features of a pharmacy digital store?

How can we achieve
awesomeness together?