The nation’s consumer watchdog is cracking down on businesses making misleading environmental claims and fake online reviews by launching two internet sweeps to identify companies acting in bad faith.

BusinessNewsAustralia reports the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will analyse at least 200 business websites for misleading environmental claims across a range of sectors like energy, vehicles, household products and appliances, food and drink packaging, cosmetics, clothing and footwear.

The website says at the same time, another internet sweep of at least 100 businesses will target misleading reviews posted on websites, Facebook pages and third-party review platforms. Social media influencers will also be considered in an additional sweep, which will focus on identifying posts that fail to clearly disclose advertising or sponsorship.

“As consumers become increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products, there are growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting their environmental or green credentials. Misleading claims about products or services undermine consumer trust and confidence in the market,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said, BusinessNewsAustralia reported.

Read the full report here.

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