Can You Legally Remove a Google Review?
Yes—if the review crosses certain legal lines.
While most negative reviews are protected opinions, some break the law. If a review is defamatory, false, or violates privacy rights, you may have strong legal grounds to demand removal.
Here’s a breakdown of the best legal approaches to removing damaging reviews from Google, Yelp, and other platforms.
Dig Deeper: How to Delete a Google Review
1. Defamation Claims
Defamation occurs when someone publishes a false statement of fact that harms your reputation.
A review may be defamatory if it:
- Makes false claims about criminal behaviour
- Accuses you of fraud without proof
- Asserts harmful facts that are demonstrably untrue
Important:
- Opinions are protected. (“I didn’t like the service.” = opinion)
- False facts are not. (“They stole my money.” = potentially defamatory)
If a review crosses the line, you can:
- Send a formal defamation notice
- Request removal under Google’s Defamation Policy
- File a lawsuit (if necessary) to force removal with a court order
2. Privacy and Doxxing Complaints
If a review exposes private information, you may have a right to removal based on privacy laws.
This includes:
- Home addresses
- Private phone numbers
- Financial information
- Personal health or legal history
- Family details not publicly available
Google’s policies prohibit the posting of personal information without consent. You can report violations directly through the Reviews Management Tool or file a privacy complaint.
3. Intellectual Property Claims
If a reviewer posts copyrighted content, company secrets, or misuses trademarks in a review, you may be able to file an IP complaint.
Common examples:
- Copy-pasting content from your website without permission
- Using your business name/logo deceptively
- Publishing confidential documents without consent
You can submit a copyright takedown request (DMCA notice) to Google, Yelp, or any site hosting the material.
4. False Advertising and Unfair Competition
In some cases, a competitor may leave fake reviews designed to harm your business.
This can violate consumer protection laws and unfair competition regulations.
If you can prove the reviewer is a competitor (even through circumstantial evidence), you may have legal leverage to:
- Demand immediate removal
- Seek damages under unfair competition statutes
- Escalate the case with consumer protection authorities or legal action
5. Court Orders and Injunctions
If all else fails, you can pursue a court order to compel removal.
A court order is typically used when:
- Defamation or harassment is severe
- Privacy violations are ongoing
- The review is causing major professional or financial harm
Once you have a valid order, platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook are usually very quick to comply.
When Legal Approaches Make Sense
You should consider a legal approach if:
- The review is clearly defamatory, false, or illegal
- The review is tied to personal threats, harassment, or privacy breaches
- The content is not removed after standard flagging and appeals
- The financial or reputational damage is serious and ongoing
Legal action can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to weigh the risks and rewards carefully.
Legal Removal Is Powerful, But Strategic
Not every bad review qualifies for legal action. But if a review breaks the law—or Google’s own policies—using a legal approach can be your strongest move to protect your reputation.
The key is knowing which path fits your situation—and moving quickly and professionally.
Need Help With Legal Review Removal?
At Reputation Galaxy, we specialise in removing reviews through both standard and legal strategies.
We partner with expert attorneys when needed and handle removals discreetly and efficiently.
Fast action. No win, no fee. Private consultations.
Get a Free Quote or call us now to find out if your case qualifies for legal removal.