The reviews you share on Google Maps help others make decisions about where to go which is why it’s so important that they’re accurate, relevant, and clear. However, sometimes people share reviews that are inappropriate, off-topic, or spam. These reviews do not comply with our Maps User Contributed Content Policy, so reporting them is a great way to keep Google Maps helpful and free from abuse.
When you see a review that you think should be reported, first make sure that it is actually something that does not comply with our policies. Low quality reviews provide little to no input about the Local Guide’s experience, but they usually do not violate our rules.
Ready to help report inappropriate content on Maps? First, review our prohibited and restricted content policies.
Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
- Hateful, violent or inappropriate content: Reviews that contain defamatory language, personal attacks, or content that is prohibited and restricted.
- Advertising or spam: Reviews that try to redirect Local Guides to other places or include promotion of other businesses.
- Off-topic: Reviews that are irrelevant, include incorrect information, or are clearly not about the place listed on Maps.
- Conflicts of interest: Examples of this are posting a review of your own business, commenting on previous or current employer, or maliciously reviewing a competitor’s business.
To report a review on mobile
- Tap the three dots on the right of the review and select Report review
- Add the email address associated with your Local Guides account and select the violation type
- Tap Submit
To report a review on desktop
- Click the three dots on the right of the review and select Flag inappropriate review
- Add the email address associated with your Local Guides account and select the violation type
- Click Submit
Again, reviews that should be reported differ from reviews that are low quality. For example, one word reviews or reviews that include only emoji are not considered spam. However, if you notice a Local Guide who exclusively posts such reviews, you can always reach out to us.
How to report a Local Guide
When you find a Local Guide you want to report, the best way is to do it is by posting on Connect. Create a post titled “I want to report a Local Guide.” Make sure you do not share the Local Guide’s personal information within the post. Instead summarize the violation you witnessed and then tag one of the Google Moderators. We will reach you through private message with further instructions.
Thank you for helping us to keep content on Google Maps relevant and useful.
