Google now shows how many reviews were removed from Business Profiles via defamation complaints, starting in Germany

Google is now showing the number of reviews removed from Google Business Profiles due to defamation complaints, with a message reading “Over 250 reviews removed due to defamation complaints” spotted on a German business listing, a feature currently limited to Germany and not visible in other countries. The transparency feature is specific to reviews removed through legal defamation claims rather than standard Google guideline violations, and unlike guideline removals, legally mandated deletions happen without user input — businesses simply receive an email with an option to appeal. Local SEO experts note the feature is likely unique to Germany due to the country's defamation laws and the proliferation of law firms that specialize in getting negative reviews removed under those laws, with Joy Hawkins suggesting Google was compelled rather than motivated to add the disclosure.