Google Maps: AI model Gemini to help combat fake reviews

Google Maps is one of the most important apps for many users. In addition to navigation, they also use the map application to rate places like restaurants or other establishments, or to visit them based on ratings. However, these are also a major area of concern that Google is now increasingly addressing.

As Google writes in its own blog, the company wants to make it “as easy as possible” for users to contribute useful content and up-to-date information on the platform. This is also actively used: Maps records over 1 billion reviews and 80 million updates of opening hours or contact information for the year 2025. In the same period, the company blocked or removed 292 million reviews that violated policies.

However, the platform is also used to publish false information about places or even to extort payments for the removal of fake one-star reviews, according to Google. To detect and curb malicious actors more quickly, the company has improved its systems. Among other things, they are intended to detect new types of fraud faster than before. In addition, they are intended to better recognize specific fraud patterns to stop suspicious contributions even before they are published.

Google further explains: “Should there be a sudden increase in spam reviews for a business, we will immediately remove the fake content, pause new reviews on the profile, and notify the owners of the business profile.” These measures are to be rolled out worldwide over the coming weeks.

With Gemini against “Eierhaus”

To ensure that place names on Google Maps remain correct, Google will use Gemini models in the future. With the help of AI, Google can “automatically capture problematic changes faster than ever before” – meaning a recent case where several local branches of the CDU were renamed “Eierhaus” could not have happened. Google is rolling out the new feature worldwide for Android, iOS, and desktop systems starting today.

In addition, companies will be able to better control updates, such as changed opening hours or temporary closures. Verified companies will receive an email notification before a change is published, which they can review. This way, fewer incorrect opening hours and other misinformation should end up in Google Maps.

More transparency

Google also wants to be more transparent with deleted user reviews: In Germany, a banner will be displayed on business profiles in the future if reviews have been deleted due to “defamation complaints.”

Furthermore, if there is a sharp increase in spam reviews on a business profile, Google will eventually “temporarily disable the ability to publish new reviews to protect the business from further abuse.” In such a case, a notification banner will also appear to inform users why the publication of reviews is temporarily suspended. The new banners are being rolled out worldwide, starting immediately.

(afl)