Google is complying with a new law in Tennessee that makes it liable to small businesses in the event that search results are blocked or their reviews are removed. The new law is part of broader public concerns about big tech companies hurting small businesses. Google has published guidelines for Tennessee businesses that make it easier for them to receive notices related to what the law defines as blocking.
Data for SB2262
SB 2262 is a new law passed in Tennessee that will go into effect on July 1st and provides protection to small businesses that experience “blacklisting” by search engines or see their reviews reduced by 25% or more.
The law uses the word “blacklist” to mean one of three things:
“(i) reduce the visibility or accessibility of a small business’s website in an Internet search engine;
(ii) remove the small business website or the search result for that website from an Internet search engine; or
(iii) remove or remove from the search engine 25% or more of the small business reviews.”
Violation of the new law makes it possible for small businesses to sue Google or any other search engine.”
Small businesses are defined as businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
The original version of the law required search engines to notify small businesses if they were banned. The law that was actually passed was amended on April 6, 2026 to remove that requirement and replace it with the right of a small business to contact a search engine and seek an explanation.
The amended law states:
“…authorize a small business that believes an online search engine has blocked the small business from contacting the online search engine and requesting a response to the action. The search engine must provide a response to that request within five business days that includes a description of the action and the reasons for the action; the process, steps, and requirements necessary for the small business to appeal the action or be reinstated or re-listed;…”
Google’s answer
Google has published new guidelines specifically for small businesses in Tennessee that detail the actions small businesses should take to ensure they receive the notices they need to send.
The new guidelines are:
“Tennessee SB 2262 (2026) empowers certain small businesses in Tennessee to be notified when their digital listings or customer reviews are removed or restricted from online search engines. To make sure you receive these notifications on Google Search, be sure to do the following:
Verify your website in the search console
Search and manage other business listings on Google that may appear in search”
The new guidelines explain the benefits of subscribing to Search Console:
Spam and policy violations: Be notified if your site violates Google’s spam policies and other policy violations.
Legal removal: Get alerts when content is removed due to local legal requirements.
Security issues: Get notified about malware or hacked content on your site.”
It also explains the benefits of applying for a Google Business Profile and getting started with a Merchant Center listing.
Take away
The new law is intended to bring more transparency to how search engines rank and delist small businesses and make search engines more responsive to businesses.
Losing a large number of positive reviews can cause serious business damage. The Tennessee law seeks to give these business owners the legal power to hold search engines like Google more accountable for their decisions.
Featured image by Shutterstock/rudall30
