FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the Federal Trade Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
(Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday finalized a ban on companies knowingly buying or selling fake online reviews, giving the agency the power to levy fines against the shadowy practice.
The ban covers trafficking in fake reviews, whether by non-existent customers, company insiders or artificial intelligence. It also prohibits buying and selling fabricated views or followers on social media, and using intimidation tactics to remove negative reviews.
