Google removes large numbers of business reviews for policy violations

Google has intensified enforcement of its review policies, automatically deleting reviews it deems to be obtained through review gating, incentivized offers, fake accounts, or lacking a genuine transaction with the business. The crackdown, which accelerated in 2026, has affected thousands of businesses, causing sudden drops in review counts and potentially lowering their visibility in local search results and AI‑driven recommendation features such as Google AI Mode and conversational search.

Businesses are advised to solicit reviews only from verifiable customers, avoid patterns that trigger automated detection, and use the appeals process for accidental removals. The changes impact companies worldwide, with notable effects reported by French merchants and U.S.‑based businesses relying on Google Business Profiles for online reputation.