If approved by parliament, the bill would require anyone writing an online review to provide a valid form of ID as well as proof that they visited the place or business they wish to review.
Under the proposed rules, reviews would have to be posted within two weeks of a visit and businesses could demand the removal of reviews older than two years provided that they were no longer relevant.
Enforcement of the new regulation would be entrusted to Italian competition watchdog AGCM.
The proposal comes as part of efforts to keep competition within the tourism and hospitality industry fair and transparent, and protect both businesses and attractions from misleading content.
According to estimates from Italy’s ministry of enterprises, fake reviews affect between 6 and 30 percent of the revenue of businesses in the tourism sector.
Italy’s Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché expressed satisfaction over the proposal, saying that it marked “an important step for the protection of our businesses”.
“Reviews, which thanks to this regulatory intervention will actually be truthful, are fundamental for the success of companies and for the trust of consumers and tourists,” she added.
The draft law was welcomed by hospitality industry operators and consumer groups.
Vittorio Messina, president of lobby group Assoturismo Confesercenti, said that “the crackdown on fake reviews represents a significant step towards consumer protection and the promotion of fair competition in the restaurant and tourism sectors.”
Consumer group Assoutenti said in a statement that "any initiative that ensures greater transparency for consumers in choosing products and services is welcome."
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