A new feature blocks the tactic of posting malicious reviews on Google Maps and demanding removal fees

Google Maps is rolling out new anti-abuse protections for reviews, map edits, and business-hour changes.

It will automatically detect extortion-style fake reviews and temporarily pause review posting during suspicious spikes, while alerting business owners.

Gemini will help flag malicious map edits, and verified owners will need email confirmation before business-hour updates go live.

The changes are meant to curb scams and policy violations that can damage businesses and erode trust in Maps.