Comment on “High-Definition Mapping of the Gutenberg–Richter <i>b</i>-Value and Its Relevance: A Case Study in Italy” by M. Taroni, J. Zhuang, and W. Marzocchi

Abstract Taroni et al. (2021) published a statistical framework to reliably estimate the b-value and its uncertainties, with goal being interpretation in seismotectonic context improving earthquake forecasting capabilities. In this comment, we show that results presented for Italian region conclusions drawn by authors, are heavily biased due quarry-blast events catalog used analysis. Without removing anthropogenic component data, meaningful analysis of earthquake-size distribution natural seismicity is, our opinion, not possible. This comment highlights need basic data quality before sophisticated tools applied dataset.