Observed Signal · Feb 15, 2024 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Google Reviews Scam: AI Algorithm Update Improves Safety
Google has rolled out a new AI-based algorithm to review business content in its Search and Maps services. The update enhances the system's ability to detect suspicious review patterns, such as reviewers posting the same review across multiple businesses or receiving abrupt spikes in 1-star or 5-star ratings. Google says the algorithm helped remove 45% more fake reviews in 2023 than in 2022 and recently enabled the takedown of a scam network offering online tasks in exchange for fake reviews. The company reported that the crackdown led to the identification and removal of over 5 million fake reviews, and the removal or blocking of over 12 million fake business profiles, as well as over 170 million policy-violating reviews in 2023. Google also noted roughly 2 million attempts to claim business profiles in 2023, about 1 million more than 2022. Separately, Google will shut down free Google Business Profile Websites from March, prompting small businesses to seek alternatives.
Technical Release from a Major Platform (Google) introducing AI-based fraud-detection updates and policy-enforcement improvements with industry-wide impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google launched an AI-based algorithm update to review business content in Search and Maps
- Algorithm identified a scam network and removed over 5 million fake reviews
- In 2023, Google blocked/removed over 170 million policy-violating reviews and over 12 million fake business profiles
- In 2023, Google detected over 2 million attempts to claim business profiles (1 million more than 2022)
- From March, free Google Business Profile Websites will be shut down
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