// Netherlands · Review removal

Court advances class action against Google over fake online reviews

Rechtbank Amsterdam · 10 July 2024

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:4102

The case

This concerns an interim decision in a class action by Foundation Interest Group Individuals (SBP) and Foundation Consumer Reporting Point (SMC) against Google regarding fake online reviews. The court is addressing procedural matters such as financing, representativeness and admissibility before assessing the substantive claims.

What the court considered

01This concerns an interim decision in a class action procedure addressing only procedural matters
02The substantive assessment of claims regarding fake Google reviews has not yet been considered
03The court is first addressing admissibility questions, financing and representativeness of plaintiff foundations
04Oral hearing on formal aspects is scheduled for October 2024

What this means in practice

Entrepreneurs suffering from false reviews must anticipate lengthy procedural processes. Litigation financiers must be prepared for full transparency. Collective action organizations must maintain robust administration of members. This demonstrates the complexity of collective actions against international tech platforms and the procedural safeguards that Dutch courts apply in such large-scale claims.

Legal basis

Artikel 3:305a BW
Titel 14a Boek 3 Rv (WAMCA)
Artikel 22 lid 1 en 2 Rv
Artikel 1018c lid 5 Rv

Review removal

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