Booking.com reportedly faces EU DSA fraud-controls inquiry

Examining fake listings, phishing, and ad labeling

According to The Register, the Commission’s inquiry has three strands: allegedly fraudulent or non-compliant listings; phishing, smishing and related social engineering; and whether ads and paid boosted listings are clearly distinguished from organic results. Booking.com told The Register it is cooperating with the Commission and remains committed to combating cybercrime and online fraud.

The report says Booking.com assessed fraud using cases on its platform and external reports, and took internal measures. It does not establish a prior European Commission finding under the DSA.

The Register reports that the European Commission has opened a DSA inquiry examining whether Booking.com’s controls against fraudulent listings, phishing and smishing are adequate, alongside questions about data protection and advertising transparency. The inquiry does not establish a DSA violation.

The reported inquiry combines platform fraud prevention, protection of consumer and business-user data, and the labeling of advertising in a single DSA case involving a very large online platform.