Rule CG-FTC-002
Patient quotes and reviews: what rule CG-FTC-002 checks
Rule CG-FTC-002 is one of the checker's patient quotes and reviews rules. It cites FTC Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule Q&A, 16 CFR 465.6. The reason, source and safer wording are below.
CG-FTC-002 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
A business may not misrepresent that a website, organization or seal program it controls gives independent reviews or opinions. FTC staff say a false express claim of independence cannot be cured by a disclosure that the business owns the site. This fires on "our independent ranking" style claims, so check that the reviewer really is independent of you.
Source: 16 CFR 465.6 ("materially misrepresent, expressly or by implication, that a website, organization, or entity that it controls, owns, or operates provides independent reviews or opinions"); FTC Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule Q&A ("you would violate this section if the website has an express claim of independence")
Safer wording: Say who owns the ranking or review site and drop "independent" or "unbiased" unless a party you do not control runs it.
FTC Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule Q&A, 16 CFR 465.6 · Needs counsel review
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