Google Wants to ‘Keep it Real’ With Reviews on Google Play

This week, the Android Developers team announced improvements to the methods used in identifying and removing fake reviews on Google Play. Considering the huge amount of apps available on Google Play, it’s important that reviews are trustworthy, and that’s Google’s goal with this move. 

Sometimes, app and game developers can hire 3rd-party firms that can swarm an app’s review section, posting nothing but positive notes. Positive reviews can lead to potentially better exposure on Google Play and more downloads, ultimately in an attempt for the developer to make more money. Naturally, this goes way against the Google Play Developer Policy.

For any honest developers out there, you have nothing to worry about. Google’s algorithms are on the case of fake reviews.

Here’s an excerpt from the Android Developer’s post.

In the vast majority of cases, no action is needed. If you are working with someone else to promote your app (e.g., third-party marketing agencies), we advise you to check-in and ensure that their promotion techniques use legitimate practices, and adhere to the Google Play Developer Policy. The basic rule of thumb for reviews and ratings is that they should come from genuine users, and developers should not attempt to manipulate them in any form (e.g., fake, paid, incentivized).

Via: Android Developers