May I display reviews with customer names?
Provided transparent in the review flow itself. Name publication requires consent — not "by default". Option: first name + first letter of surname ("Jan J.").
Name in review = personal data = basis required. Best practice: in review form explicitly state: "Your name (X) and review text will be shown on our website. Indicate if you prefer to remain anonymous." Checkbox "I consent to publication with name" required. Standard pseudonymisation: publish "Jan J." instead of full name — reduces GDPR risk without losing review value. External platforms (Trustpilot, Google Reviews): they have their own consent flow + DPA. What is NOT allowed: (1) Publishing name, photo, profession, location without review-stage consent. (2) Buying/fabricating reviews = ACM violation (since 2024 fines up to €900k). (3) Removing negative reviews without basis. (4) Linking name to other personal data (e.g. order history) visibly. Customer right: GDPR Art. 17 erasure — you must honour, also after publication. Customer changes mind = you delete. On anonymising existing reviews: can, with respect for authenticity ("Customer from Amsterdam, May 2024" as alternative).
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- “publish review customer name”
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