Fakespot, the Fake Review Detector, Shuts Down After Nine Years

Fakespot, the AI-powered tool that helped millions identify fake online reviews, has officially shut down after nearly a decade. Acquired by Mozilla in 2023, the service was discontinued due to sustainability challenges. Born from founder Saoud Khalifah's frustration with deceptive Amazon reviews, Fakespot used AI to detect patterns in reviews with 90% accuracy. Despite securing funding and a Mozilla acquisition, the lack of a sustainable business model led to its closure, leaving users disappointed. Its demise highlights the persistent problem of fake reviews and the ongoing struggle for online authenticity.