Know Your Rights: California’s Law That Protects Consumers From Corporate Gag Orders

Online reviews give consumers a powerful voice. As feedback became more influential, some companies attempted to restrict what customers could say, rather than addressing their concerns. When businesses try to limit honest criticism through legal fine print, Morgan & Morgan steps in to protect consumer rights.

Why California Enacted This Consumer Review Law

California lawmakers saw a growing trend of companies trying to silence criticism through restrictive contract terms. To ensure people could share honest experiences without fear of being penalized or losing access to paid services, they enacted strong protections for consumer speech. Today, California Civil Code § 1670.8 stands as one of the most robust laws in the country, defending the right to leave truthful reviews.

What California Civil Code §1670.8 Means in Simple Terms

This law states that companies cannot penalize you for leaving a truthful review or sharing your honest opinion.

It makes it illegal for businesses to:

• Ban negative reviews
• Threaten to close your account if you complain
• Add “no-criticism” terms to contracts
• Penalize you for honest online feedback

Your voice belongs to you, not to the company you paid.

Real-World Examples of Companies Facing Pushback

Over the past few years, regulators and courts have taken action against businesses that tried to silence customers through unfair contract language. While every case is different, the message is the same:

• If you sell a product or service, you can’t force customers to praise you or punish them for being honest.

Consumers deserve transparency. Companies that try to muzzle criticism risk legal consequences.

How the Law Applies to Review Platforms Like Yelp & Trustpilot

This law protects customer opinions on platforms such as:

• Yelp
• Google Reviews
• Trustpilot
• Better Business Bureau
• App stores
• Online retailers with review systems

If you write an honest review based on your experience, it’s protected speech. Companies can’t take away access, charge fees, or threaten legal action just because they didn’t like what you had to say.

How Experian’s Alleged Conduct Fits the Pattern

Consumers have alleged that Experian attempted to discourage criticism through the use of contract language. Rather than improving service or addressing complaints, companies that include these terms may be trying to control their reputation at the consumer’s expense.

That's exactly the kind of behavior California's law was designed to stop.

What You Can Do If You’ve Been Silenced

If a business has:

• Told you not to post a review
• Closed or threatened to close your account due to criticism
• Tried to enforce “no-review” fine print
• Removed your access after you complained

You can take action. Start by saving screenshots, emails, and terms, and speak with a consumer protection attorney who handles mass arbitration matters like this one.

Why This Matters Nationwide

California set the tone, but silencing customers is a national issue. As more consumers speak out and companies are challenged, the movement to protect free expression continues to grow everywhere. Corporate accountability doesn’t stop at state lines, and neither should your voice.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

California law protects your right to speak honestly about your experience. When companies try to use contracts and fine print to silence you, there are real consequences and tools to stand up for your rights.

If you believe a business tried to stop you from posting a truthful review, Morgan & Morgan can evaluate your situation. We handle mass arbitration claims in cases like this because consumers deserve a real way to hold corporations accountable.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. The Fee Is Free™; you don’t pay unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does California’s “Right to Review” law actually say?

It prohibits companies from including contract terms that ban or penalize honest consumer reviews. Businesses cannot punish you for sharing your truthful experience. The law also renders these clauses legally void, meaning they cannot be enforced even if they are included in a contract. Simply put, if you’re sharing a genuine opinion or personal experience, California law protects your right to speak freely without fear of retaliation.

Why did the state create it?

Lawmakers observed companies using fine print to silence customers and recognized that consumers needed protection to speak freely without fear of retaliation. Silencing honest reviews doesn’t just harm individual consumers; it shields companies from criticism and removes the pressure to fix problems or improve their services. This law ensures businesses are held accountable and that customers can speak up when something isn't right.

Can companies outside California still be held liable for violating this law?

Yes, if they do business with California residents or include illegal review-blocking language in contracts used in California, they may be subject to this statute.

What’s the penalty for companies that include illegal clauses?

Companies can face legal consequences and have those terms deemed void and unenforceable. They cannot enforce the clause or punish consumers for their speech.

Does it apply to both products and services?

Yes. Whether you're reviewing a subscription service, software, or a physical product, the law protects honest feedback. Companies cannot use contract terms to silence criticism in any consumer setting, ensuring that your experience, regardless of what you purchased, can be shared openly and truthfully.

Are arbitration agreements affected by this law?

Arbitration agreements are separate, but companies cannot use them to block or punish truthful reviews. This matter is being addressed through mass arbitration, not a class action.

How can consumers report violations?

Save the contract, take a screenshot of the terms, and consult with a consumer protection attorney for further guidance. Government agencies and legal advocates can also be notified.

What kind of compensation might victims receive?

Cases vary. If your rights were violated or you lost access to services because of a negative review, you may be eligible for relief through arbitration, depending on your situation.

Does this law also protect social media posts?

Yes, sharing your honest experiences on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, or X (formerly Twitter) can fall under protected speech.

How can Morgan & Morgan help enforce these protections?

We investigate consumer-silencing practices, represent affected individuals in mass arbitration, and work to hold companies accountable when they violate the law. You don’t have to navigate this alone.