Knowledge
Conflict of interest in reviews
A conflict of interest in reviews is a situation where the author is connected to the reviewed business or to its competitor — through employment, a contract or a personal relationship.
Where it comes from
Google Maps content policy names it explicitly and broadly: current or former employment, a contractual or consultancy relationship, other professional or personal affiliations. It covers flattering reviews written by staff as much as negative ones written by former staff or competitors.
What it means in practice
It is the most effective ground for a removal report — provided the report describes the connection. Simply stating that a review is untrue refers to no policy at all and is the most common reason reports are rejected.