This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Isabelle Huppert in a scene from, "Elle" directed by Paul Verhoeven, who was just named jury president at the Berlin International Film Festival. (Guy Ferrandis/Sony Pictures Classics via AP)
BERLIN (AP) --
Paul Verhoeven has been named to serve as president of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.
The Dutch director was nominated for an Oscar with his 1973 film "Turkish Delight" and a Golden Globe for 1977's "Soldier of Orange."
After moving to Hollywood, Verhoeven made blockbusters such as "RoboCop," ''Total Recall' and "Basic Instinct."
The 78-year-old returned to moviemaking this year after a lengthy break with "Elle," starring Isabelle Huppert.
The Berlinale – the first of the year's major European film festivals – runs from Feb. 9 to Feb. 18.
The festival didn't specify Friday who else will serve on the 2017 jury. This year's jury was led by Meryl Streep.
A man walks past Google's offices in London's Kings Cross area, on Aug. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Brian Melley, File)
Google pledged to crack down on fake online reviews with tougher punishments for rogue reviewers and businesses that try to profit from them, British regulators said Friday following an investigation.
The Competition and Markets Authority said that Google has committed to "rigorous steps" to detect and remove sham reviews, so it can quickly identify and investigate businesses and reviewers trying to benefit from the phony posts.
Google will delete all reviews written by people who repeatedly write fake or misleading reviews — either positive or negative — for U.K. businesses, the watchdog said. These reviewers will also be banned from posting new reviews, whether or not they're in the U.K.
Businesses that try to artificially boost their star ratings will also face consequences. Warning alerts will be slapped on their Google profiles, and new reviews will not be allowed. And if they repeatedly engage in fake review activity, all their reviews for the past six months or more will be deleted, the CMA said.
Google's also adding a way for consumers to quickly and easily report shady reviews, including payments or rewards offered for a positive review.
"The changes we've secured from Google ensure robust processes are in place, so people can have confidence in reviews and make the best possible choices," the watchdog's CEO Sarah Cardell said. "They also help to create a level-playing field for fair dealing firms."
Google said its "longstanding investments to combat fraudulent content help us block millions of fake reviews yearly – often before they ever get published." The company said in a brief statement that its "work with regulators around the world, including the CMA, is part of our ongoing efforts to fight fake... Read More
