FTC bans fake online reviews, but is it game over? [Video]

Houston – A federal rule banning fake online reviews is now in effect. The Federal Trade Commission banned the sale or purchase of online reviews, but some consumer advocates say it doesn’t go far enough to stop the problem.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group found between 30 percent to 40 percent of online reviews for businesses, restaurants, and services are fake.

We’ve been reporting on the widespread problem of fake reviews, which can often be generated by paid fake review rings, bots, or artificial intelligence, aimed at boosting sales for a business, or sometimes hurting a competitor.

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You’ll remember Google removed more than 500 reviews for Glo Dental Group after the organization Fake Review Watch reported finding that many were suspicious.

A Glo Dental representative said they don’t know who posted the reviews, but the company reports fakes they find to Google …