Gransker Booking.com

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into Booking.com, suspecting the travel giant of failing to take sufficient measures to prevent fraud and false representations on its platform. In a press release, the Commission emphasized that European citizens should be able to book their holidays with confidence, knowing they will not be deceived.

The Digital Services Act grants platforms clear responsibility to address this risk, and it is crucial that the leading booking platform in Europe takes this duty seriously, stated EU Vice-President Henna Virkkunen in the release. The Commission will first investigate whether Booking.com has successfully identified and removed fake listings, which could include non-existent properties, people posing as others, or accommodation providers not adhering to rules.

Secondly, the EU will scrutinize the risks related to how reservation and guest data are shared with hosts and whether the company has adequate measures to prevent data misuse for phishing and fraudulent payments. Lastly, the Commission will examine advertising practices, as hosts can pay higher commissions to appear higher in search results.

However, according to the EU, it is not clear enough for users to understand when and by whom an ad is shown to them. If proven, Booking.com would have violated several articles of the Digital Services Act, according to the Commission. Booking.com has expressed to Reuters that the company is cooperating with the Commission, stating that security, trust, and protection of personal data are top priorities.

The company reiterates its commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities, regulators, law enforcement, and industry partners to combat online crime and protect travelers and partners. The story was generated using an AI tool.