TripAdvisor Probed Over 'Fake' Reviews

2K UK businesses complain of false or defamatory comments
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 2, 2011 9:06 AM CDT
TripAdvisor Probed Over 'Fake' Reviews
A screen grab from the site.   (TripAdvisor.com)

A UK advertising watchdog has launched a probe into TripAdvisor following complaints from hotels and restaurants about the veracity of the reviews on the site. More than 2,000 business owners complained of fake or defamatory reviews. The watchdog will consider whether the travel-review site needs to verify its reviews’ sources, the Telegraph reports. The probe is also examining whether TripAdvisor uses the word “trust” in a misleading way.

“Evidence of epidemic levels of abuse, flaws, and distortion are being rebutted at present only with standard statements from TripAdvisor repeating clams of diligence and trustworthiness—and the public need to weigh the evidence properly,” said a rep for KwikCheck.com, an online-reputation management company that sought the investigation. It’s also seeking a US-based investigation as it plans a stateside lawsuit. (More TripAdvisor stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X