An Australian court has ordered Google to reveal the personal details of an anonymous reviewer. This is the latest example of the difference between real and perceived anonymity online, and could become a benchmark for future cases.
Online reviews are nothing new and are prevalent in every industry. Likewise, not all online reviews are glowing or even useful. However, the combination of good and bad reviews provide an essential way for consumers to gain additional insight beyond the glossy website or storefront. While some customers are happy to link their online identity with their comments, others are not, and when it comes to negative reviews, the option to leave one anonymously is an important factor.
As reported by the BBC, a real test is now taking place to see how anonymous reviews really are. After receiving a negative review, Australian dentist, Matthew Kabbabe, requested Google down it down. When Google refused, Kabbabe asked for the personal details of the anonymous reviewer, and once again, Google declined. This latter refusal resulted in Kabbabe seeking a defamation court order to have the details made available. That court order has now been approved and unless Google appeals the decision, the search giant is expected to be formally required to hand over the personal data of the reviewer, including name, phone number, IP address, and location.
The First Of Many Reviewer Unmasking Cases?
In this instance, Google has tried to avoid revealing the user’s details, and even argued that it has no way of finding out the information. While that would seem hard to believe, the search giant has also previously suggested that defamation laws and cases such as this could lead to a “suppression of information.” Further adding, the suppression could also lead to an increase in “consumers suffering from unfair business practices.” This is a valid point Google makes as unmasking anonymous reviewers means there's no protection for those who want to provide information about a business, but are afraid to. If the number of negative reviews making it online declines due to a fear of a lawsuit, then others will be less informed with only the positive reviews to go on.
If the reviewer’s negative experience was genuine then they should have every right to make that known, and anonymously. However, if it is not a truthful experience, then inaccurate negative reviews can have a devastating impact on an individual or business. Therefore, what this technically comes down to is the truth and that’s a little harder to establish without the accused able to confront the accuser. Maybe, what could prove to be a better solution in instances like this, is some way for Google to authenticate the user’s experience/review without having to hand over personal data. Verified reviews are already a thing, so why not verified anonymous reviews as well?
Source: BBC