The legal implications of fake reviews and botting in 2025

The digital landscape has dramatically changed how businesses and individuals operate, with social media being a core platform for marketing and communication. However, with this growth, we’ve also seen an increase in unethical practices like fake reviews, fake followers, and botting, which have now become the focus of strict regulatory actions. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently enacted rules that specifically target these practices, aiming to restore integrity in online spaces.

What are fake reviews, fake followers, and botting?

At their core, these tactics are designed to inflate the perceived value or influence of a person or business on social media. Fake reviews are paid or inauthentic testimonials that falsely portray a product or service in a positive or negative light.

Fake followers are artificially generated accounts, often purchased, that create the illusion of popularity or influence. Botting refers to the use of automated software (bots) to boost likes, comments, or views on posts and profiles, giving the false impression of significant engagement.

These practices have been rampant on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and even e-commerce sites like Amazon. The deception caused by these tactics has led to widespread manipulation of consumer behavior, as people often rely on reviews and social proof to make purchasing decisions. This growing problem has not only undermined consumer trust but has also allowed unethical actors to profit off these dishonest means.

The FTC’s new rules and what they mean

In October 2024, the FTC enacted a groundbreaking rule that specifically prohibits fake consumer reviews, testimonials, and social media indicators like followers and views generated by bots or hijacked accounts. This new rule empowers the FTC to seek monetary penalties against those who violate the law.

According to the FTC, buying or selling fake social media followers, views, or reviews is now illegal, particularly when done to mislead others about a business’s or individual’s influence for commercial gain. This prohibition also applies to fake celebrity endorsements and manipulated customer reviews, which have been widely used by companies to boost their reputations unfairly.

The importance of this rule lies in its ability to curb deceptive marketing practices that harm consumers and businesses alike. Before this regulation, the FTC struggled to impose significant civil penalties on offenders. However, with the new rules in place, companies that engage in these practices are now at risk of substantial fines and legal action.

Bachelor (B.Sc) Applied Artificial Intelligence

Online Study Model Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) 180 ECTS credits Language English Tuition Fees & Discounts Tuition Fees Starting from 130 € (131 $)* per month *based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST) Discounts Discounts and promotions are available on a seasonal basis Online application No application fees Study Duration Study start any time Duration36 – 72 months (depending on time model)

The impact on social media and e-commerce

The enforcement of these rules is expected to have far-reaching effects across social media platforms and e-commerce sites. As the FTC steps up its efforts, companies and influencers who have relied on fake metrics to boost their online presence will now face serious consequences. This regulation marks a major step forward in levelling the playing field, especially for smaller businesses that rely on honest reviews and authentic customer engagement to thrive.

Platforms like Amazon have been grappling with fake reviews for years, with sellers paying for positive reviews or manipulating ratings to gain an edge over competitors. The FTC’s new rules will make it easier to prosecute these offenders and reduce the number of fake reviews that distort the market.

For influencers, who often trade on their social media following and engagement, the risks are equally high. Many influencers have built careers on the back of inflated follower counts and engagement metrics, which are now subject to scrutiny. The rule also allows the FTC to go after those who purchase fake followers or views to secure brand deals under false pretenses.

QuickBooks Term Loan helps boost cash flow

Small business term loans from US$1,500 to US$200,000 with terms up to 24 months and no origination fees. Learn more and apply in minutes.

Why this matters

The presence of fake reviews and followers not only misleads consumers but also damages the credibility of social media as a whole. Consumers often look to reviews and influencer endorsements to make informed decisions. When these are fabricated, it distorts the market and undermines trust. By implementing these regulations, the FTC aims to restore fairness and authenticity in digital marketing.

For businesses, the new rules provide a clear framework for what constitutes ethical behavior online. Companies that previously relied on deceptive practices may now rethink their strategies, knowing that the risk of being caught and fined has dramatically increased.

The best VPN service for speed and security

Avoid cyberthreats with NordVPN. Avoid malware-infected downloads, malicious websites, and trackers with NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro. Get up to 75% off NordVPN’s 2-year plan + 4 months extra.

How to protect yourself from online deception

As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of the tactics used to manipulate your purchasing decisions. Fake reviews and social media metrics can easily mislead you into buying products or services that don’t live up to their claims. Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

Look for verified reviews: Trust reviews from verified purchasers or users, and be wary of overly positive or negative testimonials.

Check the influencer’s credibility: Research influencers before taking their endorsements at face value. Look for authentic engagement and long-term relationships with brands.

Use third-party review sites: Sites like Trustpilot or Yelp can help provide more balanced reviews than company-controlled platforms.

Let’s get you ready for retirement

The Retirement Planner can help put you on the right track toward retirement by letting you: Run different scenarios – Anticipate big expenses – Create a spending plan – Add income events – Simulate a recession

Secure your online presence with Kaspersky

In this increasingly deceptive online environment, safeguarding your personal and family’s online presence is more important than ever. Hackers, bots, and malicious actors are constantly looking for ways to compromise your accounts or spread misinformation.

Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity company, offers robust protection for your devices and online accounts, ensuring that your data remains safe and private. With Kaspersky’s suite of security tools, you can:

Protect against botting and hacking attempts on social media.
Secure your financial information from phishing scams and fraudulent sites.
Keep your family’s online activity safe with parental controls and monitoring features.

By utilising Kaspersky’s services, you can rest assured that your online presence is secured against the growing threat of fake reviews, fake followers, and other deceptive practices.

Conclusion

As the FTC’s new rules come into play, the landscape of social media and digital marketing is set to change. While deceptive practices like fake reviews, fake followers, and botting have flourished for years, there’s now hope that these unethical tactics will be significantly curtailed. For businesses and influencers, the stakes are higher than ever. And for consumers, awareness and caution are key.

Finally, securing your online presence with tools like Kaspersky ensures that you and your family are protected in this evolving digital world.

___________________________________