A ban on posting fake consumer reviews on online stores and digital platforms is one step closer. On March 11, 2022, the House of Representatives approved the bill to modernize consumer protection. This proposal will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Tighter rules to provide consumers with clearer and fairer information
Consumer reviews must first be checked for authenticity by traders before they can be posted as a review or recommendation. There will also be a ban on paying others to post false consumer reviews. Sellers must also inform consumers whether, and if so how, they check whether reviews come from consumers who have actually purchased the product.
They must also let consumers know if they are receiving a personalized price offer, for example because an algorithm tracks what the consumer in question has purchased and which websites they have visited. The legislation also includes a ban on displaying search results without making it clear that they are paid advertising or that payment has been made to obtain a higher ranking.
Online platforms must inform consumers who is responsible (seller or platform) for delivery and handling returns, so that consumers know who to contact in case of problems. It must also always be clear how the order of the search results that consumers see on the online platform is determined.
Source: Dutch government
They must also let consumers know if they are receiving a personalized price offer, for example because an algorithm tracks what the consumer in question has purchased and which websites they have visited. The legislation also includes a ban on displaying search results without making it clear that they are paid advertising or that payment has been made to obtain a higher ranking.
Online platforms must inform consumers who is responsible (seller or platform) for delivery and handling returns, so that consumers know who to contact in case of problems. It must also always be clear how the order of the search results that consumers see on the online platform is determined.
Source: Dutch government
Feeddex is the right choice for you
The new bill makes the company that publishes consumer reviews responsible for verifying their authenticity. As an online retailer, you have your hands full. Consumers leave tens of thousands of reviews every month, so try screening them all carefully.
Feeddex and its subsidiary 5-sterrenspecialist.nl take this burden off your shoulders. We have the tools to collect authentic and independent reviews for your website and other platforms.
Feeddex and its subsidiary 5-sterrenspecialist.nl take this burden off your shoulders. We have the tools to collect authentic and independent reviews for your website and other platforms.