Google Maps Allows Third Parties To “Close” Local Businesses

Google has allowed the community to edit Maps listings for some time. That capability has not been generally abused although there have been some persistent issues with mapspam. Today Barry posted at SEO Roundtable that anyone could go in and request that a business listing be permanently removed because the location was, allegedly, permanently closed:

Let’s assume the following unlikely mischief scenario: I and another florist have a bitter rivalry. I do this to her listings and submit them for removal to destroy her presence on Google. Mwuhahahahah! (Maniacal laughter.)

While there’s a Google review process of such requested changes, Barry essentially asks whether it’s rigorous enough to catch a scenario like this with an under-the-radar local business.

People should be aware of this possibility and be diligent about monitoring and claiming their listings. I should point out that this vulnerability would only be for unclaimed listings/locations. Once a listing has been claimed on Google Maps by a business owner it cannot be edited.