Generally, we do not delete or remove user check-ins from Untappd. However, there are a few instances that we may consider removal of check-ins, outlined below:
When will a check-in be removed?
We may consider the following scenarios to be instances of rating abuse:
Retaliatory ratings
These are check-ins with a comment or photo that directly references one of the following situations:
- Political or social stances held by a brewery.
- Negative or hurtful sentiment targeted at specific individuals associated with a brewery.
- A negative experience with a venue, brewery, or past circumstance which is unrelated the to beer itself.
Automated (bot) ratings
These are accounts that we can confirm to be an automated account. We have procedures in place to identify these accounts and remove them.
Coordinated manipulation of ratings
We have automated systems in place to prevent most situations of attempted, coordinated abuse. Whenever clear patterns of rating manipulation can be established, we will investigate and take appropriate action.
Other instances in which a checkin may be removed:
- Check-ins that violate our Community Guidelines
- Check-ins to beers that have violated copyright or trademark laws
- Check-ins to beverages that violate our Beverage Guidelines
When won't a check-in be removed?
Getting negative ratings and feedback on a product you’ve worked hard on creating isn’t easy; we understand. As addressed above, we do have several procedures and safeguards in place to prevent and respond to abuse of the rating system on Untappd. However, a negative rating does not necessarily imply rating abuse.
The following scenarios are NOT considered rating abuse:
A person associated with a brewery rates a beer
Individuals that work for breweries are permitted to use Untappd in the same capacity as anyone else. They can check into and rate beers from their own brewery or from others. These accounts are subject to the same screening procedures as regular accounts.
Private accounts
Users have the ability to create private accounts in which only their friends can view their check-ins. Likewise, they are subject to the same screening procedures as regular accounts.
Back-logging
Users are permitted to "import" check-ins from an existing application or a personal log. A user checking into a high volume of beers in a short period of time does not necessarily imply rating abuse. These accounts are subject to the same systems to prevent abuse.
Check-ins without pictures
Users are not required to upload a photograph of a beer to checkin and rate a beer.
Check-ins outside of distribution range
Since we allow back logging of beers, a user checking into a specific beer in a location outside the distribution area is not considered ratings abuse. There is no limit to where a user can actually drink the beer.
Check-ins by "casual" users
Our goal at Untappd is to create a platform in which anyone can actively engage and interact with the beer community regardless of credentials or existing beer knowledge.
Check-ins without notes/descriptions
Getting a low rating can be especially frustrating when the user doesn’t give any constructive feedback to accompany it. However, many users choose not to include comments with their check-ins and we don’t require comments to post a check-in with a rating. We recommend using your Brewery Management Tools to respond to the user and get more information on their reasoning. Tips on responding to negative ratings can be found here.
This is a complete list, but we may change or update this documentation (or any of our policies and procedures) without prior notice in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. We may take actions beyond the scope of this document to remove check-ins for reasons not listed above.