Consumer Corner

Amazon, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Glassdoor, Tripadvisor, and Trustpilot Launch First Global Coalition for Trusted Reviews

Published

9 months ago

October 23, 2023

NEEDHAM, Mass. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Amazon, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Glassdoor, Tripadvisor, and Trustpilot announced they have teamed up to launch the global Coalition for Trusted Reviews, a cross-industry collaboration committed to protecting access to trustworthy consumer reviews worldwide. Together, members will define best practices for hosting online reviews and sharing methods of fake review detection, aiming to stop fake reviews at the source.

Companies met in October 2022 in San Francisco at the first ever Fake Reviews Conference, organized by Tripadvisor. Attendees heard from experts in government, academia and the industry at large on common challenges and potential mitigation approaches related to the issue of fake reviews. This resulted in the establishment of a formal coalition to collaborate on public education and ongoing information sharing between members, in an effort to decrease review fraud.

The group has agreed to engage in several key areas to protect consumers and partners from fake reviews, working to help ensure the public is not misled by fraudulent content, including:

Industry Alignment. Developing common standards and definitions for use throughout the industry around what constitutes a fake review and other content moderation nomenclature and measurement.

Best Practice Sharing. Defining best practices for hosting online reviews and sharing information on updated content moderation process and methods of fake review detection.

Information Sharing. Sharing information relating to how fraudulent actors operate, such as companies selling fake reviews to businesses seeking to unfairly and improperly improve their reputations.

Advocacy. Engaging with academics and public policy leaders to promote the benefits to consumers of review content and support industry efforts to combat fake reviews from being published.

The coalition is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Through collaborative initiatives, they aim to set new standards for maintaining the authenticity of reviews, instilling confidence in consumers worldwide.

Coalition members will next meet in Brussels on December 5th and 6th the second conference, organized by Amazon.

Amazon
“Customer reviews are an important part of the shopping experience, and the goal of this coalition is to ensure every review reflects customers’ actual experiences,” said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s vice president of Worldwide Selling Partner Services. “Amazon is aggressively fighting fake review brokers to protect our customers and selling partners, but these fraudsters are a global problem, impacting multiple industry sectors. Through greater collaboration and sharing across industries, including information on fraudsters’ tactics and how they operate, we can more effectively shut down fraudulent review activity, deter other bad actors from attempting to game our systems, and protect more consumers.”

Booking.com
“With more than 300 million verified reviews from real guests on our platform, we are actively invested in ensuring the ongoing credibility of our program, both for travelers and our partners,” said Spencer Mott, Chief Security Officer at Booking.com. “From machine learning fraud detection models to custom-made tooling for our teams of experienced moderators, we are continuously enhancing our efforts, including through collaborating with this coalition of like-minded platforms. Together we can explore best practices and learn from each other, thereby increasing awareness across the industry to the benefit of an even wider array of consumers and businesses.”

Expedia Group
“Authentic reviews are crucial for travelers when booking accommodations, destinations, and experiences, said CJ Allen, Vice President, Marketplace Experience & Trust, Expedia Group. We use technology not only to detect fraudulent postings but also to implement a human touch, further validating the honesty and transparency of reviews. Expedia Group takes pride in participating in this coalition to combat these fake actors, who pose a direct threat to our industry’s most valuable asset: trust.”

Glassdoor
“Job seekers rely on the integrity and authenticity of anonymous reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to confidently make decisions about jobs and companies to work for,” said Cara Barry, Glassdoor Director of Content and Community. “Glassdoor’s moderation team is constantly evolving our multi-tier technological and human review processes to prevent fake reviews on our platform, but we recognize that we must continue to innovate with new approaches. We look forward to closer collaboration with our industry partners to create new frameworks to mitigate fake reviews and maintain trust in content on Glassdoor and elsewhere online.”

Tripadvisor
“The trust that consumers and partners have in our platforms and businesses is a top priority for the members of this coalition, all of whom agreed to join together to fight fake review content on the Internet. To further maintain the credibility and authenticity of reviews on our platforms, we aim to make it increasingly difficult for fraudulent actors who try to deceive our customers to operate online,” said Becky Foley, Vice President, Trust & Safety, Tripadvisor. “Combating these operators, particularly those attempting to sell fake reviews to companies looking to improve their online reputations, will be an immediate area of focus. These actors often operate outside of jurisdictions with a legal framework to shut down fraudulent activity, making robust cooperation even more important.”

Trustpilot
“Trust is at the heart of every decision consumers make to buy products and services, especially online. Reviews help to fuel confidence, which makes it imperative that consumers can rely on the reviews they read, and know that they are genuine and authentic, said Carolyn Jameson, Chief Trust and Consumer Officer at Trustpilot. “At Trustpilot we’re always innovating, searching for different avenues to take on fake review sellers and businesses who try to manipulate feedback written about them. Greater collaboration and sharing of ideas across the reviews industry, through the Coalition for Trusted Reviews will undoubtedly be a major boost in the global fight against fraud and deception as we work to combat those who seek to undermine trust online.”

About the Coalition for Trusted Reviews
The Coalition for Trusted Reviews is a group of industry leaders in hospitality, retail, consumer services, and travel that offer trustworthy reviews to help their customers make informed purchase decisions. Member companies are focused on reducing fraudulent customer reviews. The group currently includes Amazon, Booking.com, Expedia, Glassdoor, Tripadvisor, and Trustpilot.

SOURCE Tripadvisor

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Consumer Corner

5 Ways to be Environmentally Conscious at Home

Published

5 days ago

July 21, 2024

Daily News Staff

5 Ways to Be Environmentally Conscious at Home

(Family Features) Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, by making simple changes to your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Consider these practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations right from the comforts of your own home.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This classic mantra is still relevant today. By reducing the amount of waste you produce, reusing items whenever possible and recycling materials like paper, plastic and glass, you can help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in landfills and oceans. Composting food scraps and avoiding single-use plastic items like water bottles and shopping bags can also help reduce your impact on the environment.

Conserve Energy: One of the biggest contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Simple steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs and using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run.

Save Water: Water is a precious resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Simple actions like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine only when full and watering your garden in the early morning or late evening can help conserve water and protect the water supply. You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets to further reduce water usage.

Choose Sustainable Products: When shopping for household items, look for products made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable. Choosing products with minimal packaging or opting for eco-friendly alternatives can help reduce waste.

Grow Your Own Food: If you have the space, consider starting a small garden at home. Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs allows you to enjoy fresh, organic produce while also reducing the carbon footprint of your food by cutting out the transportation and packaging involved in store-bought produce.

Find more tips for going green at home at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Watch video to find out how!

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Consumer Corner

Important Recall Notice: Wiers Farm, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Cucumbers Due to Listeria Concerns

Wiers Farm recalls cucumbers due to Listeria risk. Discard affected products immediately.

Published

1 week ago

July 19, 2024

Hal Machina, Daily News Staff

In a decisive move to ensure consumer safety, Wiers Farm, Inc., a respected distributor based in Willard, OH, has announced a voluntary recall of select cucumber products over concerns of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall specifically targets a limited number of whole and bagged salad cucumbers, sourced from out of state and distributed under the Wiers Farm brand.

Recall Details

Date of Announcement: July 12, 2024
FDA Publish Date: July 16, 2024
Product Types: Whole cucumbers and 2 lb bagged salad cucumbers
Pack Dates: June 5, 2024 (whole cucumbers), June 5 and 6, 2024 (salad cucumbers)
Distribution: Select Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio

Reason for Recall

The potential for contamination was identified through routine sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). While no illnesses or customer complaints have been reported to date, Wiers Farm is proceeding with the utmost caution to safeguard its customers.

About Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria capable of causing the serious infection known as listeriosis. It primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly. More information about Listeria can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Product Identification

Whole Cucumbers: Approximately 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter and 6-9 inches in length
Bagged Salad Cucumers: Packaged in a clear bag with a blue base, marked with the specified pack dates

Consumer Action

Consumers in possession of the affected cucumbers are urged not to consume them. Even though the products are past their shelf life and likely out of distribution, if you still have them, please safely dispose of them immediately. Questions or concerns can be addressed by contacting Wiers Farm customer care at (419) 933-2161 or via email at customercare@wiersfarm.com.

Company Statement

Wiers Farm has expressed its commitment to the highest standards of food safety and health. “We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and are collaborating closely with the Ohio Department other traceability data to ensure that the product in question is swiftly and effectively removed from all channels,” stated a company spokesperson.

Summary

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the food distribution process. Wiers Farm’s proactive steps in recalling potentially affected products underscore their dedication to consumer safety and health standards. Consumers are advised to follow recall instructions and dispose of any questionable products to ensure health and safety.

FDA notice: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wiers-farm-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-whole-and-salad-cucumbers-due-possible-contamination-listeria

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FDA CDC News

Immediate Recall Alert: Reser’s Fine Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad

Reser’s recalls Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad due to potential plastic contamination. Return for a refund if purchased.

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

Charles Elliot, Daily News Staff

In a decisive action prioritizing consumer safety, Reser’s Fine Foods has issued a voluntary recall for one of its popular products, the Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad, available in 48 oz (3LB) containers. This recall specifically targets products with a Use By Date of JUL/26/24. The reason behind this precautionary step is the discovery of potential contamination from pieces of hard plastic, which could present a health risk to consumers.

Key Details of the Mustard Potato Salad Recall:

Company Announcement Date: July 02, 2024
FDA Publish Date: July 09, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Recall: Possibility of Hard Plastic Foreign Material
Company Name: Reser’s Fine Foods
Brand Name: Hill Country Fare
Product Description: Mustard Potato Salad

This product was exclusively distributed through H-E-B and Joe V’s Smart Shop stores located within Texas and was produced at a regional facility operated by Reser’s Fine Foods. It is important to note that, fortunately, no injuries or adverse effects have been reported as of now.

Consumer Safety Measures

To prevent any potential hazards, all affected product batches have been removed from retail shelves. Reser’s urges consumers who have purchased this specific product to avoid consuming it. Instead, they should return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund or safely dispose of it.

Contact Information for Consumer Inquiries:

For those with further questions or in need of additional information regarding this recall, Reser’s Fine Foods has made provisions for customer communication. You can reach them at:

Phone: 888-223-2127
Operational Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Why This Recall Matters

Recalls are a vital part of ensuring safety in the food supply chain. Reser’s Fine Foods has taken this proactive step out of an abundance of caution to protect its consumers from any possible harm. Such actions reflect a commitment to high standards of food safety and consumer protection.

Taking Action

If you have purchased the recalled Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad, check the packaging for the specified Use By Date, and follow the outlined safety guidelines. It’s also wise to keep abreast of updates from Reser’s Fine Foods and the FDA.

This voluntary recall showcases the importance of rigorous quality checks and responsiveness in addressing any potential risk swiftly. For continued safety, keep informed about the latest food recalls and guidelines issued by health and food safety organizations.

Closing Thoughts

Reser’s Fine Foods remains dedicated to upholding the highest levels of safety and quality and is actively working on measures to prevent future issues. Consumers can rest assured that swift actions like these reflect a commitment to their well-being.

For continuous updates, stay tuned to the FDA’s announcements or sign up for direct alerts from food safety authorities to ensure you and your lovedators are always protected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/resers-fine-foods-announces-voluntary-recall-hill-country-fare-mustard-potato-salad-use-date-jul2624

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