Brussels – Travel and accommodation apps must also comply with the EU Digital Services Regulation (DSA). Today (21 October), the European Commission launched an investigation into how Booking.com “combats scams and fraud under the DSA.” The Berlaymont Building has initiated a “formal investigation” because it believes the app has not “assessed with due diligence or effectively mitigated the risks associated with fraudulent adverts and phishing attempts” – that is, cyber scams. “European citizens must be able to book their holidays without fear of falling victim to scams,” said the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen.
According to a press release, the platform is also alleged to have breached the DSA in relation to transparency, as it reportedly failed to clearly label as “advertisements” those listings where advertisers had paid to achieve a higher ranking in the search results shown to users. Virkunnen emphasised that the DSA “sets out specific responsibilities for platforms in managing such risks” and for this reason, “we must ensure that Europe’s leading booking platform takes these responsibilities seriously”.
The Commission will carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority, while continuing to gather evidence, for example by issuing further requests for information, conducting interviews or carrying out inspections. The initiation of formal proceedings also empowers the Commission to adopt further enforcement measures, such as interim measures and decisions declaring non-compliance with the Regulation.
The matter was also raised during today’s daily press briefing. On that occasion, the European Commission spokesperson, Thomas Reigner, explained that “our aim is not merely to close these cases, but to win them in court, as we know that our decisions will be challenged. Therefore, the work continues.” Reigner clarified that the Berlaymont is conducting “these investigations with the utmost care and seriousness, drawing on a significant body of evidence” and that we must not forget “that companies have the right to defend themselves, which inevitably takes time.” Therefore, “we will always follow due process, while ensuring that we have solid cases that we can defend in court,” he concluded.
The Digital Services Regulation introduces rules for online services used by European citizens in their daily lives, such as online marketplaces, social media, app stores, and online platforms for booking travel and accommodation. Its aim is to create a digital space that respects the fundamental rights of citizens and consumers by establishing a clear set of rules applicable across the EU, and to enable smaller platforms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to expand across Europe.
The app has responded to the news. “Booking.com is cooperating fully with the European Commission and is engaging constructively in discussions on the issues raised under the Digital Services Act (DSA),” the online booking company replied. “Security, trust, and the protection of personal data are top priorities for Booking.com,” it added. “We reaffirm our commitment to working with relevant governments and regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, and industry partners to combat cybercrime and online fraud and to protect travellers and partners,” it emphasised.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
