
Quick Summary
Google Maps is getting a neat UI change which should help users to spot fake reviews.
It's set to place a badge on suspected listings to bring them to the attention of users.
Google Maps is getting a neat new feature to help combat the wealth of fake reviews on its platform. That will see businesses which have had reviews deemed fake and removed from the site, display a badge to notify users.
The new feature was spotted on Twitter by a user in the UK. That shows a banner which reads, "Suspected fake reviews were recently removed from this place."
However, reports suggest that the feature is set to roll out to other markets in the near future. It comes as the brand look to crackdown on the spate of fake reviews on the site.
The brand has had a focus on fighting these reviews for a while, with a reporting system implemented to let users take direct action. The fake reviews can either be used to improve the image of a company, or to attempt to defame a brand.
According to a report from 9to5Google, the warning flag is also indicative of some limitations for the brand. The profile will be unable to publish any new reviews for a certain time, and may have other reviews and ratings unpublished.
Personally, I think this is a great addition to the app. I spend a lot of time travelling, and often find myself in an unfamiliar city on the hunt for a good coffee or a spot of breakfast.
When in unfamiliar surroundings, Google Maps is a crucial tool for separating the wheat from the chaff. Of course, that can only be true for as long as the review content posted there can be considered accurate.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
I suspect that's a big part of the reason why Google have made this push. With rival apps like Apple Maps growing in popularity and improving all the time, what once was something of a monopoly is slowly turning into a more competitive market.

Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Strava takes aim at Garmin with a race-time prediction tool built for real runners
Performance Predictions offers dynamic, personalised estimates for 5K to marathon distances, and it’s live now for subscribers
By Matt Kollat
-
3 best Nintendo Switch games you've probably never heard of
Switch up your playtime with these underrated picks for Nintendo's superfine console
By Matt Tate
-
Google delivers bad news for budget Android phones
Cheaper Android phones might need to change to meet new Google rules
By Chris Hall
-
Google Pixel Watch 4 renders show a welcome design change
And one we're less thrilled about
By Britta O'Boyle
-
New Google Messages feature will make millions very happy
It's going to end a serious messaging blight
By Sam Cross
-
In an age of exciting upgrades, Google could downgrade the Pixel 10 instead
There’s a change coming to the Pixel cameras and it could cause a stir
By Chris Hall
-
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold renders show an early contender for foldable of the year
Even though it might not be the slimmest, it could be the sexiest
By Britta O'Boyle
-
Google TV set for a shake up that might have you feeling blue
A redesign is reportedly coming to Google TV, with a new colour scheme and features
By Rik Henderson
-
Android 16 to come with a significant security upgrade for Pixel phones
It’s going to be easier to unlock your Pixel phone in the future
By Chris Hall
-
Google Pixel 9a delayed, but for good reason
Google’s latest affordable phone has been announced, but you can’t actually buy it yet
By Chris Hall