Thanks to a Yelp update, the crowdsourced business review platform will now flag businesses accused of racist behaviour.
In the past few months, Yelp has undergone multiple changes in a continued push for diversity and anti-racism on its platform. As a result of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Yelp now spotlights Black-owned businesses and joined the 15% pledge to make diversity a priority. With its latest update, Yelp is helping reviewers escalate their complaints while holding businesses accountable, with a new flagging tool that serves as a Public Attention Alert. If a reviewer has evidence that a business owner or employee partook in racist actions, the platform will alert the public with a "Business Accused of Racist Behavior Alert."
Racist Business Reporting Tools
A Yelp Update Alerts the Public If a Business is Accused of Racism
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Business Review Platforms - The rise of platforms like Yelp that allow users to share their experiences can lead to the implementation of new tools and features to highlight and address issues such as racist behavior.
2. Diversity and Anti-racism Initiatives - In response to social movements and increased awareness, companies are taking steps to prioritize diversity and anti-racism efforts, leading to the adoption of new policies and updates on platforms like Yelp.
3. Public Attention Alerts - With the introduction of flagging tools and alert systems, there is an opportunity for businesses and platforms to address and bring public attention to incidents of racist behavior, promoting accountability and change.
Industry Implications
1. Online Review Platforms - Companies in the online review industry can leverage the trend of addressing racist behavior by developing innovative tools and features to facilitate reporting, flagging, and promoting diversity.
2. Social Media and Community Platforms - Social media platforms and community-driven websites can explore opportunities to implement similar alert systems and flagging tools to address racist behavior and foster inclusivity within their communities.
3. Diversity and Inclusion Consulting - Consulting firms specializing in diversity and inclusion strategies can assist businesses in implementing policies and tools to address racism, including flagging systems and alert mechanisms like the one introduced by Yelp.