The EU Commission has opened the first formal Digital Services Act inquiry into Booking.com, investigating whether the platform failed to remove illegal offers and adequately protect user data amid concerns about fake hotel ads and possible phishing risks.

The probe scrutinizes transparency around boosted paid listings and whether Booking.com improperly prioritizes certain ads, under the DSA’s risk and transparency provisions.

This action reflects Brussels’ broader use of the DSA against major online services, following precedents set with platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Temu, and AliExpress.

Longer-term context shows investors who put $1,000 into BKNG five years ago would have about $1,639 today, illustrating historical gains despite the current downturn.

The article includes promotional material about Nvidia and related AI infrastructure suppliers that is not directly related to Booking.com’s news.

Dutch consumer group Consumentenbond reported 200 scam-related bookings in 2025 costing about €65,000, up from 89 cases and €25,000 the prior year, suggesting underreporting of incidents.

The investigation is part of ongoing enforcement under the DSA, signaling the importance of ad transparency and robust systemic risk management for online services.

Commentary from Which? and BEUC representatives welcomed the regulatory scrutiny, highlighting broader systemic issues and the need for stronger platform safeguards.

Booking.com reports rising fraud attempts, with the company citing a 500 percent increase in 2026 and noting a spike in incidents such as fake accommodations in Spain.

This action is Booking.com’s first DSA-related probe and could lead to fines if violations are found, though the company may defend itself and propose remedial measures.

Under the DSA, the Commission is examining risk assessment and mitigation duties for very large platforms, with potential penalties but no immediate deadline disclosed.

The inquiry does not target Booking.com’s market power; Booking.com reportedly held a 69% share of hotel bookings via online travel agencies in a European study, though direct bookings remain common.