EU probes Booking.com over fake listings and phishing scams
EU launches investigation into Booking.com for alleged insufficient fraud safeguards.
Key facts
- EU launched an investigation into Booking.com on 21 October 2026, according to Euronews.
- The investigation focuses on fake listings and phishing scams on the platform, according to Euronews.
- EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said Europeans should book holidays without fear of being scammed, according to Euronews.
- Booking.com said it is cooperating fully with the investigation, according to Euronews.
- Under the Digital Services Act, Booking.com could face fines up to 6% of global annual turnover if violations are confirmed, according to Euronews.
The European Union began an investigation into Booking.com on 21 October 2026, according to Euronews.
EU authorities say the company may have underestimated the impact of fraud and unlicensed accommodation on its platform, according to Euronews.
The probe also looks at whether Booking.com failed to prevent users' data from being exploited by scammers, according to Euronews.
EU regulators are examining whether the firm breached rules by not clearly labeling paid listings as ads, according to Euronews.
Booking.com said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and that security, trust and personal information protection are top priorities, according to Euronews.
Context
The Digital Services Act regulates online platforms, including social media and digital marketplaces. This is the first investigation of Booking.com under the DSA, according to Euronews.
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