Facebook Removes 16,000 Groups Selling Fake Reviews

Facebook has removed 16,000 groups selling fake reviews more than a year after telling the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) it would do so.

The CMA’s chief executive Andrea Coscelli said it was “disappointing” Facebook has taken so long to take action, after committing to putting greater efforts into tackling the issue in January 2020.

Despite this, the CMA also said that the social media giant had made “significant changes” in that time across both Facebook and Instagram.

The watchdog said Facebook had not only removed the groups, but made more permanent changes to its systems including suspending or banning users who repeatedly created such groups.

“Facebook has a duty to do all it can to stop the trading of such content on its platforms,” Coscelli said.

“After we intervened again, the company made significant changes – but it is disappointing it has taken them over a year to fix these issues.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on Facebook, including its Instagram business…Should we find it is failing to honour its commitments, we will not hesitate to take further action.”

A Facebook spokesperson responded stating: “We have engaged extensively with the CMA to address this issue.

“Fraudulent and deceptive activity is not allowed on our platforms, including offering or trading fake reviews.

“Our safety and security teams are continually working to help prevent these practices.”