Dear Google, the Account inactivity policy

Dear Google,

I write to you today not as a mere user but as a concerned citizen of the digital world, where your services play a significant part in our daily lives. My concern is not new, but it's recently been rekindled by an email which I received from your esteemed organisation.

The email attached herein highlights your policy, stating that accounts that haven't been used or logged into for two years will be deleted, along with some of the content associated with the account. This action is understandable but raises a question that warrants serious consideration.

Will you delete the fake reviews attached to these profiles once the accounts are deleted?

The question may seem trivial at first glance, but I assure you, it is anything but. Fake reviews are an epidemic that has infected the integrity of businesses across the globe, and your platform is no exception.

Take, for instance, the many brand-new businesses that opened less than two weeks ago yet miraculously amassed thousands of 5-star reviews in 48 hours. Such an anomaly indeed rings alarm bells. How can a new business garner so many reviews in such a short span?

Or consider the well-established brand that's been at the pinnacle of its industry for years, only to be pummelled by 1-star reviews overnight. It's disheartening to witness the reputation of such an esteemed brand being tarnished so swiftly without any valid reasoning.

And who can forget the instance of the Gobby Employee, who maliciously left fake reviews because they were fired for dishonest behaviour? This unethical act undermines the very fabric of trust that binds employers and employees alike.

Google, it's no secret that I've been a critic of your review system in the past. I feel that Google's review systems SUCK. The system sucks; it's not moderated at all. Your rejection of evidence concerning fake reviews – for years – despite the fact that it's written in your terms about dodgy reviews, is disconcerting.

I understand that moderating such an enormous platform is no small task. Still, it's a responsibility you've taken upon yourself—your actions, or the lack thereof, impact businesses large and small. By ignoring fake reviews, you are indirectly aiding the dishonest individuals who manipulate these systems for personal gain.

I write this letter not to point fingers but to implore you to take the necessary actions to rectify this situation. The world looks to you as a beacon of technology, innovation, and fairness. It's time to live up to those expectations.

Please take this issue seriously. Consider enhancing the oversight and moderation of reviews. Utilise advanced algorithms and dedicated human resources to ensure that only genuine reviews find a place on your platform. Let honesty and integrity shine in the products you offer and in handling the concerns of the people who rely on you.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope to see changes that reflect a commitment to fairness and transparency.

Yours sincerely,

Dan Somers