Google has updated its Maps User Generated Content (UGC) policy. Thank you, Google Business Product Expert (GBP PE), Claudia Tomina, for alerting me to this updated policy. The new policy prevents businesses from requiring or pressuring users to leave ratings or write reviews while on the premises.
This policy sounds great in theory, but how will Google enforce this? Google requires physical proof. So, how will Google receive this proof? I know in the addiction treatment space, there are complaints that patients were unable to get discharged without posting a review. The reviews state that the staff watched the staff person write and post the review.
Here is one review posted for a Landmark Recovery facility.
This policy sounds great, but unless Google can enforce it, it’s just lip service.
