If you’re doing business with a company, there’s a very good chance that you have conducted some due diligence on them. Understanding the importance that Google reviews can have on consumer decision making, Google reviews can be an important component of brand recognition.
In 2022, the Competition Bureau of Canada issued policies that are directed at fake online review, or otherwise referred to as “astroturfing”, which “refers to the practice of creating commercial representations that masquerade as the authentic experiences and opinions of impartial consumers, such as fake consumer reviews and testimonials”.
Of note, the Competition Bureau has the ability to sanction companies that employ astroturfing practices as a violation of the Competition Act, specifically false or misleading advertising. This can extend to mandating that employees post positive reviews or posting false online reviews.
What does this mean for your company? You cannot create false reviews of your business. It also means that if you know of a competitor who employs astroturfing as part of its marketing practices, you may have recourse to address this.
If you would like strategies on how govern the Competition Bureau, reach out to us at Froese Law.
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