In e-commerce, product reviews and ratings play a pivotal role, as most consumers rely on feedback from previous buyers. However, the National Competition Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlight the growing prevalence of “fake reviews,” which significantly influence consumer behavior.
Consumers are advised to shift their shopping habits, avoiding reliance solely on star ratings or displayed comments.
Common forms of “fake reviews” include self-generated reviews, hiring individuals to write false reviews, and even services offering bulk review packages to boost product rankings. Additionally, competitors often hire individuals to post negative comments to tarnish product quality.
With the rising trend of using KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) for promotions, the line between genuine experiences and “paid reviews” is increasingly blurred.
E-commerce Platforms Urged to Vet Reviews for Safer Online Shopping
Some e-commerce platforms lack robust verification mechanisms, fail to filter unusual reviews, and even tolerate such practices to boost revenue, eroding consumer trust in protection mechanisms.
The harm extends beyond purchasing subpar products, encompassing opportunity costs, shipping fees, return expenses, complaint time, and the risk of total loss with cross-border items. For health-related products like cosmetics, supplements, or children’s items, risks are heightened, potentially impacting user health and safety.
To address this, the National Competition Commission urges e-commerce platforms to strengthen review vetting, allowing only verified buyers to post reviews, implement automated filters for unusual reviews, and publicly disclose violation handling policies.
Regulatory bodies must enforce strict penalties for creating, selling, or facilitating “fake reviews,” including fines, business suspensions, or license revocations for repeat offenders.
Consumers are advised to shift their shopping habits, avoiding reliance solely on star ratings or displayed comments. Instead, they should carefully read review content, focus on detailed real-life experiences, compare feedback from multiple sources, and prioritize official, reputable stores.
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