EU Scrutinizes Tech Giants on Anti-Fraud Measures

2025-10-01 data

Brussels, Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
The European Commission questions Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Booking.com on their strategies to combat financial scams under the Digital Services Act.

Introduction to the Inquiry

The European Commission has initiated a formal inquiry into how major technology companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Booking.com, handle financial scams on their platforms. This investigation is part of the efforts to ensure compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates stringent measures to prevent illegal activities online. The inquiry seeks to clarify the mechanisms these companies employ to protect users from fraudulent schemes that can lead to significant financial losses [1][2].

Scope and Rationale of the Digital Services Act

The Digital Services Act, which became applicable to major platforms in 2023, aims to create a safer online environment by obligating platforms with over 45 million users in the EU to assess and mitigate risks related to illegal content and consumer protection. The DSA’s focus on large platforms underscores its role in targeting systemic risks, which include financial scams that exploit the expansive reach of these digital services [3][4].

Platforms Under Scrutiny

The inquiry specifically targets services such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Booking.com, which have been used by scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses and deceive users through fake apps and listings. Additionally, Microsoft’s Bing and Google’s search services are under investigation for how they manage search results and advertisements that may lead users to fraudulent sites. These platforms are required to provide detailed accounts of their anti-fraud measures, including their ‘Know Your Business Customer’ protocols to identify and block suspicious entities [2][5].

Potential Implications for the Companies

While the current inquiry is not a formal proceeding, the companies involved could face significant repercussions if found non-compliant with the DSA. The Commission has the authority to impose fines or initiate further legal action. The inquiry is part of a broader EU strategy to assert regulatory control over large technology companies, ensuring they adhere to high standards of consumer protection and transparency [4][6].

Summary and Future Steps

As the European Commission awaits responses from these companies, the outcomes of this inquiry could set precedents for how digital platforms operate within the EU’s regulatory framework. This initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its digital economy from fraudulent activities while balancing innovation and regulation in a digital-first world. The Commission’s actions will likely influence global regulatory practices, given the international reach of these tech giants [3][7].

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Digital Services Act financial scams