Italia Quality applies a dedicated policy to make reviews more reliable by distinguishing declared experience, documented visits and reputational signals.
1. Scope
This policy applies to reviews on Italia Quality. For restaurants and tourism businesses located in Italy, Chapter IV of Italian Law 11 March 2026 No. 34 applies; for other categories Italia Quality may adopt equivalent standards as contractual community rules.
2. Genuine personal experience
A review must come from a person who actually and personally used the product, performance or service where required by law. Hearsay, purchased or industrially generated reviews are not allowed.
3. 30-day deadline
For sectors covered by law, a review is lawful when submitted no later than thirty days after use. Visit date is therefore a core element of the review.
4. Relevance
A review must relate to the product type used or characteristics of the establishment actually experienced. Matters unrelated to the visit, personal disputes or irrelevant facts may be moderated.
5. No incentives
A review must not result from discounts, benefits or other advantages given or promised by the supplier or intermediaries. Buying or selling reviews, endorsements or interactions is prohibited.
6. Declared and documented visits
A visit may be “declared” based on the Scout’s statement or “documented” when supported by suitable evidence. A “verified/documented” label must not be applied without sufficient grounds.
7. Fiscal documentation
Italian law presumes authenticity where a review is accompanied by evidence that fiscal documentation was issued. Italia Quality may use such evidence privately for authenticity and disputes without publishing the receipt.
8. Score and text
Structured ratings and text must be consistent with the experience. Scores cannot be altered by the reviewed business or purchased through commercial services.
9. Recency and two years
For sectors covered by Law No. 34/2026, a review is no longer lawful, due to significant lack of recency, two years after publication. Italia Quality must therefore exclude it from current representation using law-consistent technical measures, without prejudice to strictly necessary internal retention for legal duties or rights protection.
10. Pre-existing reviews
Chapter IV does not apply to reviews already published when Law No. 34/2026 entered into force, pursuant to Article 22.
11. Business replies
A verified representative may reply in a civil and relevant manner. Replies may not improperly identify Scouts, retaliate or demand removal of a lawful review.
12. Notice and removal
A legal representative or delegate may report reviews that fail lawfulness requirements. Reports are handled under the Notice & Action Procedure and Moderation Policy.
13. Method transparency
Italia Quality publishes essential rules on visit types, confidence and review handling. Anti-abuse details may be withheld where disclosure would undermine effectiveness.
14. Key legal references
- Legge 11 marzo 2026, n. 34 – Capo IV, lotta alle false recensioni
- Direttiva (UE) 2019/2161 – tutela dei consumatori e recensioni
- Regolamento (UE) 2022/2065 – Digital Services Act