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 Minnesota, as in all states, the Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA) applies to protect consumers' rights to post honest reviews about a business's products, services, or conduct. The CRFA, a federal law, makes it illegal for companies to use contracts that bar or penalize customers for posting negative reviews or sharing their honest opinion about the company in any public forum, including social media. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the CRFA. Minnesota businesses must ensure that their practices do not include provisions that violate the CRFA, such as those that would suppress or penalize honest consumer feedback. Violations of the CRFA can lead to legal action by the FTC, including fines and orders to cease and desist such practices. It is important for businesses to review their terms of service, contracts, and any other agreements with consumers to ensure compliance with the CRFA.