Google Maps Review Purge Leaves Businesses Scrambling for Answers Amid Algorithm Changes
Businesses worldwide are reporting a sharp decline in their Google Maps review counts, with some losing dozens of perceived legitimate customer reviews overnight from their Google Business Profile (GBP) listings. Business owners have flooded Google Business Profile forums with complaints, but Google has yet to issue an official statement. Industry experts now believe this is more than just a routine purge-evidence suggests that Google is testing a new spam filter within Google Maps, resulting in the unintended removal of authentic reviews.
Historically, Google has conducted periodic review purges multiple times a year, targeting fake or policy-violating reviews in bulk. We're currently seeing a significantly larger removal event now unfolding in February 2025.
In addition, Google is in the process of merging Local Service Ads (LSAs) with Google Business Profile listings, a transition that involves consolidating LSA reviews under Google Maps profiles. While intended to streamline Google's review ecosystem, this transition may be causing disruptions in how reviews are displayed and moderated.
The Transparency Company and Industry analysts monitoring Google's patterns suggest that a new Google Maps spam filter is being tested and refined, and is likely still in an experimental phase. Unlike previous removals that primarily targeted obvious fake reviews, this new filtering system appears to be catching legitimate reviews at a much higher rate. Businesses that have built strong reputations through authentic customer feedback are now seeing their review counts drop unexpectedly, raising concerns about how the new system determines what qualifies as spam.
Adding to the complexity, regulatory scrutiny has intensified following the 16 CFR Part 465 ruling by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which went into effect in October 2024. The rule places greater responsibility on online platforms to detect and prevent fraudulent reviews, making it more likely that Google is proactively tightening its review policies. In the UK, similar regulatory actions have pushed Google to implement stronger anti-fraud measures, and experts believe similar enforcement is now being applied in the U.S.
Business owners have voiced growing frustration over the lack of transparency. Many have reported that their review counts have dropped dramatically without warning, and there is little to no guidance from Google on whether these removals are final or if businesses can appeal to restore legitimate reviews. Some experts believe that once Google finalizes adjustments to its spam filter, some of these reviews could return, but there is no guarantee.
How The Transparency Company Can Help
The Transparency Company provides critical solutions for businesses affected by Google Maps review removals. Through automated review cataloging, businesses can track and archive their reviews before they disappear, ensuring that all lost reviews can be referenced and reinstated when necessary.
With an AI-driven metrics based approach, The Transparency Company also helps businesses assess their review health, identifying which reviews may be at risk in future Google updates. This proactive approach allows businesses to adjust their review strategies before removals occur.
The company also offers direct support for reinstatement requests, streamlining the appeals process for businesses that have lost legitimate reviews. By providing data-driven evidence of review authenticity, The Transparency Company increases the chances of successful restorations and protects businesses from ongoing algorithmic changes.
“The sudden and unexplained disappearance of reviews is a major issue for businesses that rely on their Google Maps presence to build trust with customers,” said Curtis Boyd, Founder of The Transparency Company. “While Google is working to combat fake reviews, legitimate businesses are being caught in the crossfire. Our technology ensures businesses have the tools they need to recover lost reviews and safeguard their reputations in an evolving digital landscape.”
For businesses seeking to protect their online reputations and recover missing Google Maps reviews, visit www.askfortransparency.com or contact info@askfortransparency.com.
About The Transparency Company
The Transparency Company specializes in verifying the authenticity of online reviews, helping businesses protect their reputations and comply with evolving FTC regulations. Through advanced AI-driven solutions, The Transparency Company tracks, analyzes, and audits authentic customer feedback, ensuring businesses maintain trust and transparency in the digital marketplace. The Transparency Company empowers businesses to safeguard their online presence while ensuring consumers can trust the reviews they rely on for purchasing decisions.
For more information about The Transparency Company and its services, visit www.transparencycompany.com.
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SOURCE The Transparency Company
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