In a significant update to its Google Maps platform, the tech giant has revealed its advancements in combating deceptive content, particularly focusing on fake reviews and fraudulent business listings. As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of information on its platform, Google has implemented new artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and enhanced monitoring systems that are already yielding impressive results.
According to Google, the company has successfully blocked or removed over 240 million policy-violating reviews in 2024, an increase of 40% compared to the previous year. This remarkable achievement is largely attributed to the integration of Gemini, a new AI model that has improved the detection of suspicious activity across the platform. Google stated, "AI has been a pivotal tool in helping us stop scammers in their tracks, and we’re now using it to scale our protections even more." This enhanced capability allows Google to revisit reviews more frequently, enabling the identification of new abuse patterns even months after they were originally posted.
In the U.S., U.K., and India, Google Maps has begun rolling out alerts that notify users when suspicious five-star reviews have been removed. These alerts serve as a warning to consumers about potential unfair review practices. Starting next month, these notifications will expand globally, helping users worldwide to make more informed decisions about the businesses they choose to engage with.
Furthermore, Google has trained its new model, with the assistance of Gemini, to identify potentially suspicious profile edits. This model can distinguish between legitimate updates, such as a minor name change, and suspicious alterations, like a sudden category change from a "cafe" to a "plumber." The company noted that this new system has already helped block thousands of dubious Business Profile edits in 2025.
Google's commitment to transparency and consumer protection is evident in its extensive measures against fraudulent activity. Last year, the company removed over 10,000 listings managed by bad actors impersonating legitimate locksmiths, who took over unclaimed Business Profiles to overcharge unsuspecting customers. In response, Google not only removed the fraudulent content but also filed a lawsuit against these scammers to enhance its detection systems further.
In addition to these proactive measures, Google has placed posting restrictions on more than 900,000 accounts that repeatedly violated its policies. This action is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the information on Google Maps remains reliable and trustworthy.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Google has also introduced a feature that allows the company to disable the ability to post reviews on certain business profiles. This feature, which was launched in December 2023, is designed to prevent the posting of reviews from businesses that are suspected of engaging in deceptive practices.
The statistics shared by Google highlight the effectiveness of its enhanced monitoring systems. In 2024 alone, the company blocked or removed more than 70 million policy-violating edits to places listed on Google Maps. Additionally, over 12 million fake Business Profiles were removed or blocked, further demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its platform.
As local SEO professionals and business owners navigate the complexities of Google Maps, the importance of adhering to honest review strategies and proper Business Profile management becomes increasingly clear. Google’s AI advancements signal a shift towards stricter enforcement of policies, making it essential for businesses to focus on genuine customer engagement.
Looking ahead, Google plans to continue enhancing its systems to combat deceptive practices. The company has expressed its dedication to working on the front lines and behind the scenes to keep content on Google Maps helpful and reliable. As these updates unfold, businesses will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of online reviews and customer feedback.
In summary, Google's ongoing battle against fake reviews and fraudulent business practices on Google Maps reflects its commitment to providing users with accurate and trustworthy information. With the integration of advanced AI technologies like Gemini, the company is poised to maintain the integrity of its platform and protect consumers from deceptive practices.
