Booking.com is in the European Commission’s sights. Brussels wants to determine whether the platform has properly assessed and mitigated the risks related to fraudulent advertisements and scams targeting travelers.
The investigation primarily focuses on the presence of fake listings, including housing that does not exist or is non-compliant. The Commission will also review the measures put in place to prevent fraud and remove the relevant content.
Second point of attention: phishing attempts that exploit reservation data and customer information. Brussels will specifically look at the sharing of these details with hosts and the operation of the platform’s messaging system, in order to verify whether sufficient safeguards prevent their use for fraudulent purposes.
Finally, the Commission questions the transparency of listings whose visibility is boosted in exchange for a higher commission. Users must be able to clearly identify these contents as advertisements, as well as know who the advertiser is and the reasons for their display.
The investigation primarily focuses on the presence of fake listings, including housing that does not exist or is non-compliant. The Commission will also review the measures put in place to prevent fraud and remove the relevant content.
Second point of attention: phishing attempts that exploit reservation data and customer information. Brussels will specifically look at the sharing of these details with hosts and the operation of the platform’s messaging system, in order to verify whether sufficient safeguards prevent their use for fraudulent purposes.
Finally, the Commission questions the transparency of listings whose visibility is boosted in exchange for a higher commission. Users must be able to clearly identify these contents as advertisements, as well as know who the advertiser is and the reasons for their display.
The procedure aims to determine whether Booking.com violated several provisions of the DSA, notably those relating to the assessment of systemic risks and advertising transparency.
The Commission notes that « opening a formal procedure does not prejudice the outcome of the investigation or the final decision ».
Brussels plans to collect further elements, including by information requests, interviews or inspections. It may also accept commitments from Booking.com to remedy the issues identified or take enforcement measures if breaches are established.
On its side, Booking.com states that it is cooperating “ fully with the European Commission and is answering its questions constructively within the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). ”
The company adds in a statement: “ Safety, trust, and the protection of personal data are absolute priorities for Booking.com. We remain committed to working with governments, regulatory authorities, law enforcement, and sector partners to combat cybercrime and online fraud, and to protect travelers and our partners. ”
The Commission notes that « opening a formal procedure does not prejudice the outcome of the investigation or the final decision ».
Brussels plans to collect further elements, including by information requests, interviews or inspections. It may also accept commitments from Booking.com to remedy the issues identified or take enforcement measures if breaches are established.
On its side, Booking.com states that it is cooperating “ fully with the European Commission and is answering its questions constructively within the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). ”
The company adds in a statement: “ Safety, trust, and the protection of personal data are absolute priorities for Booking.com. We remain committed to working with governments, regulatory authorities, law enforcement, and sector partners to combat cybercrime and online fraud, and to protect travelers and our partners. ”
