One rule · checked 19 October 2026
AI-written fake reviews can cost up to $53,088 per violation.
Since 21 October 2024, an FTC rule bans writing, buying or selling reviews from people who don't exist. The FTC says AI-generated fakes are covered.
The short version
Since October 21, 2024, an FTC rule bans writing, buying or selling reviews from people who don't exist. The FTC says AI-generated fakes are covered.
Knowing violations can cost up to $53,088 each. In 2026, the FTC brought cases that cite the rule.
If your agency manages client reviews, don't write them, and don't let AI invent them.
In numbers
| Case | Announced |
|---|---|
| TruHeight (Vanilla Chip LLC) | 13 April 2026 |
| B.E.S.T. GDR LLC (Premium Home Service) | 11 May 2026 |
| Digital Forensics Corp. | 13 October 2026 |
Sources
Checked on 19 October 2026.
"reviews and testimonials that misrepresent that they are by someone who does not exist, such as AI-generated fake reviews"
FTC press release: final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials. Published 14 August 2024; the rule took effect 21 October 2024. "the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC")'s civil penalty amounts will remain unchanged during 2026. The FTC will continue to apply the 2025 civil penalty levels."
FTC notice on civil penalty amounts, Federal Register document 2026-18853. Published 15 September 2026. "The maximum civil penalty amount has increased from $51,744 to $53,088."
FTC press release: inflation-adjusted civil penalty amounts for 2025. Published 11 February 2025.
The penalty applies to knowing violations. The rule bans materially misleading fake reviews, not every review written with help from AI.
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