The Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA) protects consumers’ ability to share their honest opinions about a business’s products, services, or conduct, in any forum, including social media. For example, businesses must comply with the CRFA when attempting to limit or respond to consumer reviews. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the CRFA, and believes contracts that prohibit honest reviews or threaten legal action over them harm consumers who rely on reviews when making their purchase decisions—and harm businesses that work hard to earn positive reviews.
In Kansas, as in all states, the Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA) applies, protecting consumers' rights to post honest reviews about a business's products, services, or conduct on any platform, including social media. The CRFA makes it illegal for companies to use a contract provision that bars or restricts the ability of a consumer to review their product or service. It also prohibits businesses from penalizing customers for posting negative reviews. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the CRFA. Kansas businesses must ensure that their practices are in compliance with the CRFA, and any contracts or terms of service should not include clauses that infringe on consumers' rights to free speech as protected under this federal law. Violations of the CRFA can lead to enforcement actions by the FTC, which may include legal and financial penalties.