Unjustified Removal of a Fact-Based Review

Hello,
I’m writing to report what I believe is a serious issue regarding the repeated removal of one of my reviews about a driving school. The review simply describes my personal experience, including only real and verifiable facts, such as the number of exam attempts, passing the theory test, the request for a new practical exam, and the lack of responses received. I did not use any offensive language or express any defamatory personal opinions.

I have rewritten the text several times in a concise and neutral form, carefully avoiding any expressions that could be interpreted as defamatory. Despite this, the review has been removed three times, each time with the generic reason of “defamation,” without any indication of which specific part of the text allegedly violated the policies.

This lack of transparency prevents me from addressing any potentially problematic points and from publishing an accurate account of my experience. In my view, this represents an unjustified limitation on the ability to leave genuine reviews, which can end up protecting a business’s image at the expense of users’ right to be informed.

I would like to understand how a review based solely on documentable facts can be repeatedly removed. I believe it is important that the Google Maps review system remains a trustworthy space where users can share truthful experiences without being subject to arbitrary removals or business-driven manipulation.

Thanks a lot

8 Likes

Let me guess: You are located in Germany.

German laws are very much an outlier making it possible for businesses to get any review they consider deformation removed.

This is outrageous, but I think you will need to discuss the with the German lawmakers rather than your fellow Local Guides or Google. It seems Google is not taking much action in this.

2 Likes

Hi Morten,

I’m in italy

Thanks,
anna

Hello @AnnaR1,
in case @MortenCopenhagen’s assumption is correct that your reviews were posted to German businesses, please read this thread Two years later my honest review got me a defamation strike?! and specially @ErmesT’s response.

3 Likes

In that case please share the latest review text and the Maps link to the driving school. Then we can test if the place somehow rejects all reviews or if it is more likely something related to your account or review.

Please also try just star rating the place at check if that goes public.

3 Likes

Ciao Anna, @AnnaR1 , e bentornata in Connect.
Questa è la prima volta che sento che una recensione di un luogo in Italia viene rimossa per “diffamazione”.
Puoi per favore condividere con noi una schermata della tua recensione e della motivazione con cui è stata rimossa?

Questo potrebbe aiutarci a capire e a darti indicazioni su come procedere

1 Like