Consumer review platforms.

Senator Grayson's consumer review platform legislation would require online review sites operating in California to provide businesses the ability to opt out of having consumer reviews or testimonials posted about them. The measure establishes new requirements for platforms dedicated to publishing customer evaluations of products, services and businesses.

The bill defines consumer review platforms as online venues that enable users to view or hear customer reviews and testimonials about specific businesses. Under the proposed requirements, these platforms must allow businesses to decline participation in their review systems. The legislation applies to all forms of consumer feedback, including written evaluations, ratings without narrative text, and promotional content featuring customer experiences.

The measure creates a new chapter in California's Business and Professions Code to regulate review platforms while maintaining existing protections for consumer speech in sales contracts. It establishes definitions for key terms including "consumer review," "consumer testimonial," and "covered business" to clarify which entities and activities fall under the new requirements. The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms or implementation timelines, leaving those details to be determined through the regulatory process.