Report a policy violation
For the specific review, select the reporting reason that actually applies. A review being negative is not sufficient in itself.
Google’s reporting instructionsGoogle’s content policiesYour reputation deserves a clear answer.
Received a review.
Understand your options.
False allegations, unknown customers or personal attacks? Enter up to five reviews and find out which issues matter when deciding how to respond.
Start the free checkNo automatic removal. The tool does not provide an individual legal review. Legal services require a separate agreement.
Media, defamation & freedom of expression
Your reputation is more than a star rating.
We handle disputes over public statements and online reputation. The wording, context and factual basis of a review matter. Even harsh criticism can be lawful.
Negative opinions may be protected by Article 5(1) of Germany’s Basic Law. Whether a review is unlawful depends on its content, the actual contact and the context. A low star rating alone does not establish a right to removal. Article 5(2) identifies general laws and the right to personal honour among the limits. Freedom of expression and competing rights must be considered in the individual case.
Read Article 5 of the Basic LawOnce instructed, we assess the content and appropriate action: a reasoned complaint to the platform, claims against the author or, where appropriate, court proceedings.
Our press and publication law practiceHandle Google reviews yourself
Reporting, appeals and legal complaints.
The following links take you to Google. You decide there whether to submit a report. This check does not send any details to Google.
Status and appeal
Google’s Reviews Management Tool lets you check the status of a report. After an adverse decision, eligible reviews can be appealed once. Keep the decision and your reasons ready.
Manage reviews at GoogleIdentify legal grounds
Google provides a separate route for legal complaints. Select the relevant product, generally Google Maps and related products for reviews. A policy report does not replace a legal report.
Open Google’s legal reporting routeCan any one-star review be deleted?
No Sharp or unpleasant criticism may also be admissible. The number of stars alone does not give rise to a claim for cancellation.
Is an unknown name enough?
A pseudonym does not prove that there was no actual contact. Check the process described above. Truthfully denying a contact can trigger verification obligations; removal is therefore not guaranteed.
Does the check also apply to doctors and employers?
Yes, it also serves as an initial guide for practice and employer assessments. Professional secrets, employment rights and the special features of the platform must be taken into account separately during a lawyer's examination.
Is the review reported immediately?
No. The check sends nothing to the platform. If you choose, you can send your details directly to the firm. We first consider whether to accept the matter and agree fees before undertaking work.
Legal background
In a case involving a hotel review portal, the German Federal Court of Justice held that disputing guest contact can generally trigger duties to investigate. Further explanation may be needed if the reviewer’s identity is readily apparent. Abusive complaints are excluded. The ruling does not apply automatically to every platform or guarantee removal.
Federal Court of Justice, judgment of 9 August 2022, VI ZR 1244/20, in particular paragraphs 28 to 31 and 37 to 40 (full text on EUR-Lex)As of 11 October 2026. This check is an independent service from our firm, not a service provided by the named platforms.