On Friday, September 29th, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) submitted comments in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on a Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials.
In its comments, Travel Tech details its members’ significant investments in robust trust and safety operations to protect the reliability of the reviews appearing on their platforms. Travel Tech expresses its support for the Commission’s efforts in the proposed rule to target those intent on committing fraud through fake or deceptive reviews.
“FTC has achieved the right balance in its proposed rule to target bad actors while preserving industry flexibility to develop innovative and effective solutions that will help to maintain consumer confidence in reviews,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO. “Travel Tech members invest significant resources in robust trust and safety operations to protect the reliability of the reviews appearing on their platforms.”
Examples of Travel Tech members’ commitments to protecting travelers from fraudulent reviews include:
- Establishing and enforcing community standards;
- A multi-step process for pre-screening reviews to ensure they meet community standards before reviews are made public;
- Being attuned to potential fraud triggers, such as travel during large events in less traveled markets;
- Imposing penalties for fraud, including de-platforming fraudsters
- Working with governments to prosecute fraudsters;
- Collaborating to identify and promote industry best practices;
- Being transparent via review transparency reports about policies and progress enforcing those policies; and
- Employing fraudulent-review detection systems and teams.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
