Measures to tackle the phenomenon of false critics on the internet, New Democracy MEP Dimitris Tsiodras is calling for a question to the European Commission. Specifically, he asks the Commission that it will ensure that published reviews come from consumers who have actually made use of the service or product as well as how to deal with the sale and purchase of such critics.

The New Democracy MEP and spokesman notes that “consumers are increasingly based on other consumers’ ratings and reviews when buying a product or service”.

However, about one in two consumers reports that he cannot find information on whether the company ensures that published reviews are done by real customers as well as how to collect critics.

And he adds that “the problem is strong despite the fact that misleading practices on consumer reviews are covered by the European Legislative Framework such as the Invasive Commercial Practices Directive, improving the enforcement and modernization of the Consumer Protection Union rules and the act of digital services”.

It concludes, referring to the need to deal with consumer evaluations practices, such as the publication of positive critics and the deletion of negative evaluations.

Following is the full text of the question:

Question with a written response request to the committee

Subject: Dealing fake critics and consolidating confidence in digital services

Consumers are increasingly based on other consumers’ ratings and reviews when buying a product or service.

However, about one in two said that he could not find information on whether the company was ensuring that the published reviews are done by real customers as well as how to collect critics.

The problem is strong despite the fact that misleading practices on consumer reviews are covered by the guidelines for unfair commercial practices, improving the enforcement and modernization of consumer protection rules and digital services (Digital Services ACT).

The Commission is asked:

  1. What actions will he take to ensure the ban on selling, buying and submitting false critics and withdrawing them when they are identified on the internet to ensure that published reviews come from consumers who have actually used or purchased the service or product?
  2. How will existing legislation be implemented to deal with consumer evaluations, such as publishing only positive critics and deleting negatives?