Italy: Competition Authority fined Trustpilot EUR 4 million and prohibited continuation of unfair commercial practices

On 17 March 2026, the Competition Authority (AGCM) found that Trustpilot Group had engaged in unfair commercial practices in violation of the Consumer Code and imposed a fine of EUR 4 million. The AGCM found three categories of contested conduct. It concluded that Trustpilot did not adequately inform consumers about paid subscription services available to reviewed businesses that could influence the TrustScore, business rankings, and the “Verified” label attached to reviews. It also determined that the company made misleading claims about the authenticity of reviews and the controls applied to them. In addition, the AGCM found that information on the platform’s operation, including the method for calculating the TrustScore and the criteria for assigning the “Verified” label, was fragmented and not easily accessible. The AGCM further noted that these practices relied on dark pattern techniques, such as visual prominence and information overload, and had been in place since at least May 2024 without being discontinued. Trustpilot is required to notify the AGCM of the measures taken to ensure compliance within 60 days of the decision’s notification.