TripAdvisor has been fined €500,000 by Italy’s competition watchdog for publishing misleading information in its reviews.
But the US company said it disagreed with the decision and said it would appeal.
The travel reviews site was accused of presenting its reviews as “authentic and genuine” despite not taking measures to avoid contributors publishing false opinions.
The Italian regulator began a seven-month investigation following a complaint from a consumer group and hotel owners, the BBC reported
The Rome-based regulator said TripAdvisor and its Italian arm should stop “publishing misleading information about the sources of its reviews”, adding that the practice started in September 2011.
But the company said: “Our systems and procedures are extremely efficient in protecting consumers from a small minority of people who try to con our system.
“We firmly believe that Tripadvisor is a force for good, both for consumers and the hospitality industry.”