TripAdvisor Legal Action by 300 US and UK Hotels
A group of over 300 US and UK hotels are contemplating suing iconic travel website TripAdvisor for alleged defamation in connection with users on line review of hotels.
Consolidating the aggrieved hotels is a UK company KwikChex who have a niche business reputation management for online sources and is actively soliciting more properties to join the cause. In a statement released by KwikChex it's said they are considering legal actions based on the following in an open letter published –
• TripAdvisor claims that they are not responsible for user generated content – but claims ownership of all posts.”
• “TripAdvisor has singled out businesses and directly advised consumers not to trust them – even when the majority of their own posters recommend these businesses.”
• “TripAdvisor overstates the level of trust that can be placed in an individual review on their site. They are thus directly seeking to influence consumer opinion.”
• “TripAdvisor has failed to take appropriate action when offered evidence of falsehoods – thus removing their blanket disclaimer defense.”
To date TripAdvisor has not responded publically to the allegations.