This probe aims to evaluate how these companies manage misuse of their platforms, such as fake apps, malicious links, and fraudulent listings, which are increasingly sophisticated with AI and crypto scams.

The EU emphasizes its commitment to enforcing the DSA despite criticisms from US officials and the US tech sector, highlighting concerns over online scams that cause billions in losses annually.

The outcome of this investigation could influence future regulations and industry practices, with effective fraud prevention offering a competitive advantage and inadequate measures risking regulatory penalties.

The European Union has launched an investigation into major tech companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking Holdings, to assess their efforts in preventing online financial fraud under the Digital Services Act.

The EU's scrutiny is driven by increasing fraud losses in the US, which reached $12.5 billion in 2024, involving scams via phone calls, texts, and investment schemes.

Apple reports that in 2024, its App Store prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions and terminated more than 146,000 developer accounts for fraud concerns.

Future technological innovations such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain are expected to enhance the detection and prevention of online scams.

Google blocks hundreds of millions of scam-related search results daily, and Booking has reported a significant reduction in phishing-related fake reservations between 2023 and 2024.

Scams often involve fake emails or messages requesting account updates or payments, leading to over four billion euros in annual losses across the EU.

Online fraud causes over €1 billion in annual losses for European businesses, underscoring the need for effective prevention to protect consumers and the digital economy.

Scams are becoming more advanced, including AI-generated voice impersonations and crypto phishing apps, which have contributed to rising online fraud levels.

Common online fraud methods include phishing, account takeovers, and fake listings, posing significant risks to users and platforms alike.

Users are encouraged to protect themselves through measures like two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and monitoring financial statements.