FTC Ends Yelp Inquiry

The FTC has ended its nearly year-long investigation off Yelp, the online customer rating site, without taking any action, according to a blog post from the company. The FTC was examining Yelp’s review software, how the company describes its system to businesses, and security measures the company takes prevent employees from manipulating ratings or reviews. Some firms have complained that Yelp has altered ratings or reviews as a way of pressuring companies into advertising on the site, but a suit claiming extortion was dismissed in September by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.