Google Maps now prompts users to sign in to a Google account when they try to access the full set of reviews for a business listing. The requirement also applies to sorting reviews, searching through them, and submitting a review. While some review content may remain visible without an account, users need to sign in to see and search every review and photo. Google presents the prompt as a way to get more from Maps, highlighting access to reviews and photos, shared lists of saved places, and personalized travel times for frequent destinations such as home and work.
The change is presented as a likely measure to limit automated scraping by bots, AI services, and other third parties, though Google does not state that this is the reason. Reports of the sign-in prompt came from users on X and LinkedIn. For people who browse local reviews without signing in, the change adds a barrier to comparing businesses or checking the full range of customer feedback. It also means that review access, sorting, and contribution are now tied more closely to having a Google account, rather than being available to every visitor.
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