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// Netherlands · Review removal

Car dealers win case against customer over unjustified fraud reviews

Rechtbank Rotterdam ·

ECLI:NL:RBROT:2025:4056

Read the ruling at rechtspraak.nl

The case

A dissatisfied customer who bought three problematic cars posted multiple negative reviews accusing car dealers of fraud and deception. The court ruled one review was legitimate due to justified dissatisfaction, but other reviews were unlawful as fraud allegations were insufficiently substantiated.

What the court considered

  • 01Allegations of fraud and deception were not sufficiently substantiated with facts
  • 02One review was deemed legitimate due to justified dissatisfaction with delivered cars
  • 03Companies' right to honor and reputation outweighed freedom of expression

What this means in practice

Bedrijven kunnen verwijdering van lasterlijke recensies met ongefundeerde fraudeaanklachten eisen, terwijl klanten het recht behouden om gegronde klachten op feiten gebaseerde wijze uit te spreken. Dit demonstreert de grens tussen legitieme klantenkritiek en onwettige laster in online recensies, met name met betrekking tot ernstige beschuldigingen zoals fraude. --- **English version (for reference):** Businesses can seek removal of defamatory reviews containing unsubstantiated fraud allegations, while customers retain the right to express justified complaints in a fact-based manner. This demonstrates the boundary between legitimate customer criticism and unlawful defamation in online reviews, particularly regarding serious accusations such as fraud.

Legal basis

  • Art. 7 Grondwet
  • Art. 10 EVRM
  • Art. 8 EVRM
  • Art. 6:162 BW
Review removal

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