Google hasupdated its Maps policiesto ban certain line reviews left by former employee . In a unexampled surgical incision of the Google Maps “ User Contributed Content Policy , ” Google now label reviews “ about a current or former usage experience ” as a “ conflict of sake . ” Originally , only current employee were barred under the insurance policy . The new rules , quoted below , blend into effect on December 14th [ emphasis ours ] .

engagement of Interest

Maps exploiter contributed subject matter is most valuable when it is true and indifferent . The watch practice are not allowed :

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holding a chainsaw in a photo posted to Kennedy’s X account on May 27. 2025.

– Reviewing your own clientele .

– Posting negative content about a current or former employment experience .

– Posting negative content about a competitor to fake their military rank .

William Duplessie

AsSearch Engine Landreports , the reasoning behind the ban is straightforward , as dissatisfied employee may leave unfit reviews only because of issue with their X - bosses . on-line repute can make or fracture small stage business , andmore than oncean internet mob has back critique sites to tank a business ’s sexual conquest on sites like Yelp or Google Maps . Frustrated business owners havestarted threadsin the Google assembly askinghow to occlude or removereviews exit by ex - employee . Generally talk , Google has left the reviews up .

On Yelp , ex - employees are n’t explicitly banned from leaving reviews . However , business organization possessor can involve Yelp to removereviews from X - employees . Google ’s insurance policy specifically criminalise “ damaging content about a current or former employment experience , ” but does n’t argue if electropositive content about an engagement experience is acceptable , or if other types of electronegative postal service are allowed . We ’ve reached out to Google to find out what types of reexamination from current or former employees are allowed on Maps concern itemisation .

There are legion sound protections immobilise businesses from trying to scrub up away negative reviews . TheConsumer Review Fairness Actmakes it illegal for companies to peril lawsuits to stop minus ( but notwithstanding , exact ) reviews . That said , ex - employee are n’t distinctive consumers , at least not as define by the CRFA or Google . So while potential customers may want to know if a business treated their employees below the belt , Google and Yelp probably are n’t the best post to find out .

Starship Test 9

[ 9 to 5 GoogleviaSearch Engine Land ]

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