Consistent with the FTC’s Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule (16 CFR Part 465, including § 465.7 Review suppression) and broader truth-in-advertising principles, we will not operate reviews in a way that hides negative experience while implying users are seeing a complete picture.
In particular, we commit that:
- we will not suppress reviews based solely on rating or negative sentiment while representing that displayed reviews are all or most of the reviews submitted;
- we will not use groundless legal threats, intimidation, or false public accusations to prevent or remove honest negative reviews;
- we will not pay reviewers to take down or rewrite truthful negative feedback in order to distort overall reputation; and
- we will not “gate” reviews by only inviting or displaying feedback from users who first indicate a high score (review gating).
We may still moderate or remove content under consistent, content-neutral rules that do not depend on whether a review is positive or negative — for example content that is fraudulent, unlawful, defamatory under applicable standards, harassing, discriminatory, that discloses confidential personal information, or that clearly violates published guidelines. Sorting options (such as newest first) may be offered without hiding access to lower-rated reviews.
Separate from display rules, contract language that bans honest reviews can also raise issues under the Consumer Review Fairness Act. We do not use terms that prohibit users from posting truthful reviews of their experience with the Site.