Did Google Remove The Maps Review-Gating Policy?

Aug 30, 2022 - 7:51 am 0 by
Filed Under Google Maps

Google Maps Reviews

Chris Silver Smith noticed how Google has updated its Google Maps contributed content policy and removed a line that prohibited review-gating. The line that was removed was "don't discourage or prohibit negative reviews or selectively solicit positive reviews from customers."

Chris posted on Twitter saying "It appears Google has removed its policy that specifically banned review-gating. Compare the Dec '21 copy of the policy (right) with current (left)." Here share this screenshot of the policies:

Mike Blumenthal did explain that some policies were moved, but this was left out:

So I asked Google about this and Google explained the fake engagement policy does write "Contributions to Google Maps should reflect a genuine experience at a place or business. Fake engagement is not allowed and will be removed."

The policy notes that this includes:

  • Paying, incentivizing or encouraging the posting of content that does not represent a genuine experience.
  • Content that is not based on a real experience and does not accurately represent the location or product in question.
  • Content that has been incentivized by a business in exchange for discounts, free goods and/or services.
  • Content that has been posted by a competitor to undermine a business or product’s reputation.
  • Content that has been posted from multiple accounts to manipulate a place’s rating.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: July 11, 2025

Jul 11, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Helpful Content Recoveries With Core Update, AI Mode Expands, Hidden Ad Terms & Fewer Ad Clicks

Jul 11, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google Local & Business Profiles Drops June 25th - Reporting Glitch?

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Tests Zoom Effect In On Images Within Search Results

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Bing Search Image Box Tests Explore Image & Visual Search Buttons

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:31 am
Bing Search

Microsoft Bing Tests Delivery Truck Icon In Search Ads

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Google Promotes Search Console Insights In Some Google Accounts