Asking customers for Google reviews is allowed. Paying for them, filtering out unhappy customers or pressuring people is not. Here is what Google and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) say, and how TapLocal App is built to keep your business on the right side of both.
Google lets businesses ask customers for reviews, as long as the review reflects a real experience, nothing is offered in return, and the business doesn't try to influence the rating or what the review says. Ask every customer, the same way, and let them say what they really think.
Google removes reviews that break these rules, and says it can suspend or terminate the accounts involved.
The FTC's Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (16 CFR Part 465) took effect October 21, 2024, and lets courts impose civil penalties for knowing violations. It prohibits:
The FTC also warns that asking only the customers you think are happy can violate the FTC Act, even though the rule itself doesn't list it.
Under the FTC rule, an incentive that isn't tied to a positive review can be allowed if it's disclosed, and insiders may review if they say who they are. Google allows neither: no incentives of any kind, and no reviews from people with a conflict of interest. For Google reviews, follow Google's rule.
Google Maps User Generated Content Policy, "Prohibited and restricted content: Fake and misleading content" (support.google.com). FTC, "The Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule: Questions and Answers" (ftc.gov) and 16 CFR Part 465 (ecfr.gov). Both checked October 20, 2026. Rules change; the sources are the final word.
This page explains public rules in plain English. It is not legal advice. For questions about your business, talk to a lawyer.
Want to see what your own Google reviews say? Request your free Intelligence Report.
Yes. Google allows asking for genuine reviews, as long as you ask every customer the same way, offer nothing in return, and don't try to influence the rating or what they write.
Not for a Google review. Google prohibits any incentive in exchange for a review, including discounts, free items and contest entries. The FTC rule also bans incentives tied to a positive review.
No. Google doesn't allow asking for specific content in a review, and it names staff-name requests and staff review quotas as examples. Customers often mention staff on their own, and that's fine.
Not on Google. Google treats reviews from employees, former employees, family and competitors as a conflict of interest and removes them.
No. Review gating means asking customers how they feel first and sending only the happy ones to Google. A TapLocal card sends every customer who taps or scans it straight to your Google review page, with no screen in between.
No. This page explains Google's and the FTC's public rules in plain English, as checked on October 20, 2026. For advice about your own business, talk to a lawyer.