14 August 2015

BTO returns to the Edinburgh Fringe to spotlight online reviews. Leading independent Scottish law firm BTO Solicitors LLP will take to the stage again at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, for the sixth consecutive year.

“Phoney or False Reviews Online – What Can I Do?” will see partner and solicitor advocate Paul Motion, head of BTO’s specialist Online Reputation and Data Protection teams, share his experiences of fake and damaging internet reviews to ask if the law provides effective remedies, and whether review websites are doing enough to protect businesses on the receiving end. Some of the cases he will be discussing include a family restaurant business accused on Tripadvisor of unethical business practices, and a family garage business faced with false reviews and subsequently being asked for £1000 to remove them.

The free shows take place at Fringe Central (Venue 2) on Thursday 20 August (12:00) and Thursday 27 August (13:30).

Paul Motion said: “While the internet has become indispensable in helping small businesses promote themselves, it has also left them somewhat at the mercy of a growing army of amateur reviewers. Years spent building a great reputation can be undone overnight, whether by a one-sided customer rant or a completely fake review with the aim of damaging the company name.

“I will share details of real cases my colleagues and I have dealt with, offer some practical thoughts on what action can be taken in response to a fake review or a rant and generally try to work out whether the law or the review sites provide effective remedies.”

Tickets for Phoney or False Reviews Online – What Can I Do? are free and can be obtained at the door of Fringe Central or online at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/phoney-or-false-reviews-online-what-can-i-do