European Union regulators have opened an investigation into Booking.com to assess its compliance with the Digital Services Act. The probe will examine the platform's efforts to combat fraudulent listings, phishing scams, and non-compliant accommodation offers.
The European Commission's investigation into Booking.com highlights the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, potentially impacting how online travel platforms manage risks and consumer protection. Fines could reach 6% of Booking.com's global annual turnover.
European Union regulators have launched an investigation into Booking.com to determine if the online hotel reservation platform is adequately addressing fraudulent listings and phishing scams, in line with the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission stated that the probe follows an initial review of Booking.com's risk assessment reports. Online platforms are mandated under the DSA to take greater action against illegal and harmful content, facing potential fines of up to 6% of their global annual turnover for non-compliance. The investigation will specifically scrutinize fake property listings, impersonation fraud, and offers that do not meet regulatory standards. It will also examine how Booking.com handles phishing attempts that leverage shared reservation and guest data with accommodation providers. Additionally, the regulators will assess whether paid promotional listings are clearly identified as advertisements. The Dutch consumer association Consumentenbond reported 200 scam cases involving Booking.com in 2025, costing consumers €65,000.
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