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 Ohio, 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. This federal law makes it illegal for companies to use contracts that bar or penalize customers for posting negative reviews or sharing their honest opinion in any forum, including social media. The CRFA ensures that businesses cannot enforce non-disparagement clauses that would restrict this freedom of speech. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the CRFA. Ohio businesses must comply with the CRFA and cannot include terms in their contracts that would threaten or limit a consumer's right to post honest reviews, nor can they take legal action against consumers for doing so. This law supports a transparent marketplace and protects the integrity of consumer feedback, which is crucial for informed decision-making by potential customers.