Consultation outcome

Online reviews and endorsements

From:: Competition and Markets Authority
Published: 26 February 2015
Last updated: 19 June 2015 — See all updates

Read the full outcome

Report on the CMA's call for information

PDF, 717 KB, 71 pages

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Detail of outcome

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that online reviews and endorsements are proving useful to consumers, but it has concerns that some practices may be unlawful. In the course of its work, the CMA heard about instances of potentially misleading practices:

fake reviews being posted onto review sites
negative reviews not being published
businesses paying for endorsements in blogs and other online articles without this being made clear to consumers

In response, the CMA has opened an investigation using its consumer enforcement powers into a number of companies in connection with the potential non-disclosure of paid endorsements.

Other concerns that have been raised with the CMA are being assessed to determine whether enforcement action is warranted.

Alongside its report, the CMA has also published advice for businesses on what they need to do to comply with consumer protection law.

Original consultation

Consultation description

Online reviews and endorsements for products and services are playing a growing role in helping consumers to make buying decisions.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is aware of potential concerns about how trustworthy and impartial some of the information provided to consumers in reviews and endorsements can be.

As part of our markets work, we’re seeking views on this issue from:

consumers who use review sites or blogs
review sites that host customer reviews
bloggers who write about products/services
suppliers of products/services that are reviewed on customer review sites or in blogs
businesses who help to promote suppliers’ brands on review sites or blogs or to manage their reputations online
others who have carried out research into this area

Further details of this project can be found on the online reviews and endorsements case page.

If you’re a blogger or a business, please use one of the response forms above.

If you’re a member of the public, please complete and submit our online form below or complete the consumer response form above.

19 June 2015
Report of call for information published.
26 February 2015
First published.