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Electronic Commerce: Misrepresentation

Asked by Gordon McKeeLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 16 July 2026UIN 18289

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress he has been made on enforcement measures relating to fake or misleading online reviews.

Answered by Blair McDougall

Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), online platforms must take reasonable steps to ensure consumer reviews on their sites are genuine. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance for businesses that publish reviews to help meet their legal obligations.

The DMCCA has given the CMA new direct enforcement powers to decide if certain consumer laws have been breached and to fine businesses up to 10% of annual turnover.

The CMA currently has five live investigations into businesses that may have infringed consumer law in relation to online reviews: Fake and misleading reviews: 5 businesses under CMA investigation - GOV.UK

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