Govt To Prevent Fake Reviews, Planning for Meets with Amazon and Flipkart

The government of India is planning to meet with e-commerce majors Amazon and Flipkart to discuss the issue of fake product reviews on their platforms. This follows recent reports that suggested that a large number of unverified and fake reviews are being posted on these e-commerce sites.

The government is reportedly concerned about the potential impact of such fake reviews on consumers as well as on the businesses whose products are being reviewed. Alongside, previously Flipkart and Amazon faced packaging issues in Maharastra. The issue of fake reviews came to light when some businesses were paying for such reviews in order to boost their sales. The central government officials are planning to meet various stakeholders, including representatives from Amazon and Flipkart, to discuss the issue and find a way to solve it.

One of the primary solutions being discussed is the introduction of a verification system for reviewers. This would ensure that only verified reviewers are able to post reviews on these platforms. Another solution being considered is greater transparency in the review process so that consumers can easily see which reviews are verified and which are not.

CAIT many times wrote to the government about this issue and others such as FDI rules violations. A key meeting was conducted on May -27, between the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and the representative of the e-commerce platforms. Consumer forums, social media, and user groups were also consulted to get their suggestions on the matter.

The government is also mulling over the possibility of amending the Consumer Protection Act to make e-commerce platforms liable for any fake or misleading reviews on their platforms. The government is also planning to ask Amazon and Flipkart to take responsibility for the reviews that are posted on their platforms. This would mean that the companies would be liable for any fake reviews that are posted and could face penalties if they are found to be posting such reviews.

All the stakeholders agreed that there is a need to address the issue of fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. However, they also noted that it is a complex issue and that any solution needs to be carefully thought out so that it does not impact legitimate businesses and reviewers.

The CEO of ASCI, Manisha Kapoor mentioned the categories where most of teh fake reviews will be lodged. The meeting included the impact of paid reviews, unverified reviews, and absence of disclosure of relationship with the seller by the reviewer.

Final Words

The government is taking the issue of fake reviews on e-commerce platforms seriously and is planning to meet with the companies to find a solution. The companies are also committed to finding a solution that will not impact legitimate businesses and reviewers. It is important to address the issue of fake reviews so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping online.