Online reviews are critical to developing consumer trust, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has signaled it's ready to track down anyone trying to manipulate such reviews. Consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta breaks down the FTC's latest warning letters targeting potential violations of the consumer review rule, an enforcement move that puts online reviews and testimonials at the center of attention. This episode also explains what the rule covers, from fake "verified" experiences and undisclosed insider reviews to incentivized ratings and suppression of negative feedback, and why the FTC is now shifting from education to action. With civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation and industries spanning e-co ...