WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Joe Kennedy III today applauded bipartisan passage of his Consumer Review Fairness Act by the House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee. Introduced with Congressman Leonard Lance (R-NJ), this legislation would ensure American consumers can post honest business reviews and feedback online without fear of retribution.
The legislation comes in response to reports of companies using secretive “non-disparagement” clauses in their terms of service to try to bar customers from posting negative reviews of a product, service or experience. Along with Kennedy and Lance, the bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who have led legislative efforts on this issue in the past. It is backed by online review platforms like TripAdvisor, which is based in Congressman Kennedy’s district.
“Consumers have an undeniable right to voice their concerns with a business, product or service when their experience fails to meet expectations,” said Congressman Kennedy. “By eliminating secretive non-disparagement clauses, the Consumer Review Fairness Act will ensure companies can never retaliate against customers for simply expressing an opinion. I thank Congressmen Lance, Swalwell and Issa for their partnership in addressing this issue and look forward to a vote on the House floor this fall.”
“Consumers in the 21st century economy should be able to post, comment and tweet their honest and accurate feedback without fear of retribution. Too many companies are burying non-disparagement clauses in fine print and going after consumers when they post negative feedback online. In 2016 online platforms are where consumers turn to praise or criticize their shopping, eating or traveling experiences. They should be able to do so without harassment from companies eager to protect an image,” said Congressman Lance.
The Consumer Review Fairness Act would void any non-disparagement clauses in consumer contracts if they restrict consumers from publicly reviewing products or businesses accurately and would authorize the Federal Trade Commission to take action against businesses that insert these provisions into their contracts. It also would ensure companies still are able to pursue legal action against individuals who post false and defamatory reviews.
"TripAdvisor whole-heartedly supports the Consumer Review Fairness Act, led by Representatives Lance and Kennedy,” said Adam Medros, Senior Vice President of Global Product at TripAdvisor. “Consumer reviews have become an integral part of many Americans’ purchasing decisions. In the same way that you can tell your friends and family about a good or bad experience you had with a company or product, you also have a fundamental right to share that experience online. While most businesses understand that such reviews offer businesses and consumers alike the ability to learn and benefit from others’ experiences, a number of unscrupulous businesses have attempted to bully or intimidate their customers from sharing their negative experiences. We strongly believe that every American has ‘the right to write’ and these attempts to stifle free speech are against everything we stand for at TripAdvisor."
The legislation is supported by online review platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp and Glassdoor as well as the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Internet Association, Demand Progress, Engine, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Public Knowledge, and the Public Participation Project.
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For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2016
Contact:
Emily Kaufman (617) 332-3333
Dan Black (202) 225-5931
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