EU investigation launched into Booking.com over fraud claims

The EU is launching an investigation into online travel agency Booking.com regarding how they protect customers from fraud and scams.

The investigation concerns whether or not they are fulfilling the risk management and consumer protection obligations under the Digital Services Act.

The European Commission has said that Booking.com is under scrutiny because of its measures to combat phishing, prevent fraudulent listings and ensure advertising transparency.

In terms of fraudulent listings, Booking.com are being assessed on whether it has properly identified and managed risks related to illegal content, like fake property listings and impersonation fraud.

They are also being assessed on how guest and reservation data are shared with accommodation providers. It now needs to be established whether or not safeguards exist.

If these breaches of the DSA are proven to be true, Booking.com will be in breach of Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, along with 26(1). Both articles require large online platforms to protect consumers against specific risks. They are being assessed on reports from this year and the preceding three years.

Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkunnen said: “Europeans should be able to book their holidays without fear of being scammed. The Digital Services Act sets clear responsibilities on platforms to address these risks, and we must ensure that the leading booking platform in Europe takes those responsibilities seriously.”