Removing fake Google reviews in Australia in 2026 primarily relies on utilising Google’s existing review flagging system and, if necessary, escalating concerns through a formal dispute process, though automated detection capabilities are continually evolving as of December 2025.
Google Business Profile (GBP) currently allows business owners to flag reviews that violate their policies – these include reviews that are off-topic, contain abusive language, conflicts of interest, or are demonstrably fake. As of December 2025, flagged reviews aren’t immediately removed; they are assessed by Google’s automated systems and human reviewers. Google’s review moderation team in 2026 operates globally, with regional considerations, and response times can vary. The ‘Review History’ section within GBP now includes a more detailed breakdown of review flagging status. Third-party reputation management platforms, such as BrightLocal and Podium (available in Australia with varying subscription tiers), integrate with the Google Business Profile API to streamline the flagging process for multiple reviews, but do not have direct removal power – they simply facilitate submitting flags to Google. Google has announced in late 2025 that enhanced AI-powered fake review detection will be rolled out in phases throughout 2026, initially focusing on high-volume review scenarios.
Ultimately, the Google review removal process functions as a reporting and assessment system, where Google determines if a review breaches its guidelines and takes action accordingly.
