Overview
- The European Commission formally launched the investigation on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 to examine whether Booking.com has done enough to stop fake or misrepresented accommodation adverts.
- Brussels will probe how Booking.com shares reservation and guest data and how its messaging system may let fraudsters carry out phishing or send fake payment requests.
- Commission officials cited Booking.com reports of a roughly 500% rise in fraud attempts, saying there were 1,072 fraud reports in the first half of 2026 that allegedly caused about €82,000 in damage.
- Under the Digital Services Act the inquiry can run for months, during which Booking.com can offer remedial commitments or face binding orders and fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover if breaches are found.
- The DSA gives regulators new powers to force platforms to remove illegal listings and clearly label paid placements, and Brussels has used the law before against large tech and marketplace firms, so this probe could reshape how booking platforms police listings and protect travellers.