Historically, Google has conducted periodic review purges multiple times a year, targeting fake or policy-violating reviews in bulk. We’re currently seeing a significantly larger removal event now unfolding in February 2025.
In addition, Google is in the process of merging Local Service Ads (LSAs) with Google Business Profile listings, a transition that involves consolidating LSA reviews under Google Maps profiles. While intended to streamline Google’s review ecosystem, this transition may be causing disruptions in how reviews are displayed and moderated.
The Transparency Company and Industry analysts monitoring Google’s patterns suggest that a new Google Maps spam filter is being tested and refined, and is likely still in an experimental phase. Unlike previous removals that primarily targeted obvious fake reviews, this new filtering system appears to be catching legitimate reviews at a much higher rate. Businesses that have built strong reputations through authentic customer feedback are now seeing their review counts drop unexpectedly, raising concerns about how the new system determines what qualifies as spam.
The Transparency Company provides critical solutions for businesses affected by Google Maps review removals. Through automated review cataloging, businesses can track and archive their reviews before they disappear, ensuring that all lost reviews can be referenced and reinstated when necessary.
With an AI-driven metrics based approach, The Transparency Company also helps businesses assess their review health, identifying which reviews may be at risk in future Google updates. This proactive approach allows businesses to adjust their review strategies before removals occur.
The company also offers direct support for reinstatement requests, streamlining the appeals process for businesses that have lost legitimate reviews. By providing data-driven evidence of review authenticity, The Transparency Company increases the chances of successful restorations and protects businesses from ongoing algorithmic changes.
“The sudden and unexplained disappearance of reviews is a major issue for businesses that rely on their Google Maps presence to build trust with customers,” said Curtis Boyd, Founder of The Transparency Company. “While Google is working to combat fake reviews, legitimate businesses are being caught in the crossfire. Our technology ensures businesses have the tools they need to recover lost reviews and safeguard their reputations in an evolving digital landscape.”
The Transparency Company specializes in verifying the authenticity of online reviews, helping businesses protect their reputations and comply with evolving FTC regulations. Through advanced AI-driven solutions, The Transparency Company tracks, analyzes, and audits authentic customer feedback, ensuring businesses maintain trust and transparency in the digital marketplace. The Transparency Company empowers businesses to safeguard their online presence while ensuring consumers can trust the reviews they rely on for purchasing decisions.
