Google Reviews: Deletion Criteria

In today’s digital landscape, online reviews on platforms like Google are a critical factor in shaping a company’s public image and success. Negative reviews can do a lot of damage by driving away potential customers and hurting your bottom line. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the criteria Google uses when deleting reviews is of great importance to every company.

Google adheres to certain policies that specify the types of reviews that can be removed. It is important to understand that not every negative review can be deleted. Only those that violate applicable Google policies can be removed.

These criteria are as follows:

1. Inappropriate content: Any kind of obscene, vulgar or offensive content may lead to deletion. Hate speech, discrimination, and harassment also fall into this category.
2. Misleading and false information: Reviews containing misleading or false information are not allowed. This includes false reviews that may have been generated by competitors or unsatisfied customers.
3. out of the subject: Reviews that are not directly related to the company, its product or service are not allowed.
4. Advertising/Spam: Any type of advertising or spam in the review may lead to deletion.
5. Business conflict of interest: Comments from people who have a direct business interest in the company, such as owners, employees, or competitors, are not allowed.
6. Illegal content: Google will remove reviews that contain or promote illegal content.

To request removal, the business must report the disputed review, clearly stating the policy violation. If Google refuses to delete it, you can appeal the decision. This process can be complex and it is advisable to seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.

Conclusion
Online reviews are an important factor affecting a company’s image and success in the digital world. A deeper understanding of Google’s policy for deleting reviews can help reduce the potential harm of negative reviews. Inappropriate, misleading, inappropriate, promotional, conflicting or illegal comments may be removed. If Google refuses to delete, you have the option to file an objection. The whole process can be legally demanding, so consulting an attorney makes sense to effectively protect your company’s reputation.

More information, especially for taking action against fake reviews:
https://ra-goldmaier.de/urheberrecht/gegen-fake-bewertungen-bei-google-vorgehen/