People go on Google Maps primarily to be able to get from point A to point B, but the application serves a bigger purpose. The app makes it easy to read and share reviews about establishments, with users sharing over 1 billion reviews and suggested 80 million updates to business hours, contact information and more in 2025 alone.
Now, Google has begun to list Gemini as Maps’ digital bouncer. For reference, Gemini already has a prominent role when it comes to finding directions on Google Maps. Now, Google is also leveraging the AI tool to prevent review-related scams.
The tech giant explained that bad actors have been leveraging Google reviews to extort money. Said threat actors review bomb businesses demand payment in exchange for removing fake one-star reviews.
With Gemini now acting as Maps’ digital bouncer, Google says that its “systems now better detect specific scam patterns, which lets us stop suspicious posts before they ever go live.” If and when the AI tool catches a sudden spike in spam reviews, it automatically removes the fake content, pauses new reviews on the profile, and alerts the business owner.
Additionally, if you’re trying to find reviews about said business when reviews are paused, you’ll see a dedicated banner, as seen in the image below.
New proactive alerts for your business profile
Elsewhere, Google is also using Gemini to catch fake edits even faster. “With advanced reasoning capabilities from Gemini, our systems can quickly spot and block suggestions that violate our policies before they go live — like social or political commentary with local nuance,” wrote the tech giant.
Lastly, Google is also making it easier for business owners to manage their profiles. For reference, users have the option to share updates about local businesses, including new store hours or temporary closures. Business owners, on the other hand, have the option to use these suggestions.
With Google’s latest update, business owners can now easily catch inaccurate suggestions that might deter seamless operations. “Starting this month, we’re rolling out proactive email alerts so verified and active owners have a way to easily review important edits to their Business Profiles before they go live,” indicated Google.
