Google has announced the introduction of new content policies that will give users and businesses accurate and reliable information on reviews left on Google Maps.
The Maps User Contributed Content Policy targets to ensure the process of posting reviews for business profiles protects both individuals and businesses from policy violations.
According to the tech giant, the Maps User Contributed Policy will ensure reviews are based on real-world experiences and keeps irrelevant and offensive comments off of Google Business Profile.
With 1 billion visitors on Google Maps monthly, Google Kenya Communications and Public Affairs Manager Sharon Machira says the firm is deploying machine learning models to moderate millions of reviews uploaded using the Google Business Profile tool while its staff will identify the subtle distinction or variation of various expressions of individual posts.
“We’re dedicated to keeping reviews on Google Maps authentic and reliable to protect local businesses from fraud and abuse, and keep the information helpful for users. Over the past couple of years, through the Local Guides program we’ve developed easy tools that allow people to help contribute to Maps so others can more easily and accurately explore their world,” said Machira.
Machines will also identify patterns to determine if content is legitimate besides flagging issues such as offensive or off-topic content, any Google account with a history of suspicious behaviour, places with uncharacteristic activity such as an abundance of reviews over a short period of time about a particular place or business or any place that has received recent news or social media coverage that would motivate people to leave fraudulent reviews.
Through the new policy, businesses detecting policy-violating reviews on their profiles will also be able to alert Google via the How to remove reviews from your Business Profile on Google while individual Map users can report any violation via the Flag and fix inappropriate content portal.
This will see the offensive content removed, user accounts suspended or in some instances litigation being pursued.
According to Machira, Google Business Profile is a tool that helps businesses and organisations manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
This helps customers individual businesses, enable business owners to tell their story, verify their businesses and edit their online business information.
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