Apr 17, 2026 11:57:00

A feature has been introduced to prevent the scam of 'posting malicious reviews on Google Maps and then demanding a removal fee.'

Google Maps is home to a huge number of reviews for restaurants, service establishments, and other businesses, but sometimes malicious reviews are posted. Three features designed to prevent the posting of such malicious reviews were announced on April 16, 2026.

New ways we're protecting businesses on Maps

https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/maps/new-ways-were-protecting-businesses-on-maps/

◆Feature to detect malicious reviews
Google cites the practice of 'posting false 1-star reviews and demanding money from facility managers in exchange for removing the reviews' as an example of malicious reviews. The system has been updated to automatically recognize these malicious patterns and prevent malicious reviews from being published.

Additionally, if there is a surge in malicious reviews, we will temporarily suspend new review submissions and send a notification to the property manager. Furthermore, a banner indicating the temporary suspension of reviews will be displayed at the top of the property information. This protection feature is expected to be available worldwide within the next few weeks.

◆Gemini detects malicious patch suggestions
Google Maps allows users to suggest corrections to various pieces of information displayed on the map. However, despite Google prohibiting the addition of political comments and other such content to maps, information on Google Maps has sometimes been modified in a way that violates the policy, circumventing the monitoring system. Google has begun using Gemini to detect malicious modification suggestions, and it has reportedly become capable of detecting even local nuances with high accuracy.

◆Facility information editing and monitoring function
Google Maps allows users to suggest corrections to facility information, such as business hours and temporary closures. Starting in April 2026, a feature was added that allows facility managers to be emailed for confirmation before any suggested changes to business hours are applied. Emails are sent only to verified facility managers.

According to

a report released by Google, the total number of Google Maps reviews published in 2025 is projected to be 1.14 billion, with food and drink being the category with the most reviews.