Commission requests information under Digital Services Act from Apple, Booking.com, Google and Microsoft on financial scams

The European Commission is taking action against financial scams by requesting information from major online platforms and search engines under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This initiative targets companies like Apple, Booking.com, Google, and Microsoft to assess and mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent activities on their platforms. The move underscores the EU's commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a safe digital environment. The Commission's requests cover various aspects of how these platforms combat financial scams. For example, the Commission is inquiring about how Apple App Store and Google Play manage fraudulent applications mimicking legitimate financial services. Furthermore, Booking.com is being questioned about fake accommodation listings, while Bing and Google Search are under scrutiny for links and ads leading to fraudulent websites. The DSA mandates these platforms to assess systemic risks and implement measures to protect consumers from harm. This action directly affects millions of users who rely on these platforms for various services, including online shopping, travel, and financial transactions. The Commission's focus on "Know Your Business Customer" rules is particularly important, as it aims to verify the identity of businesses using these services to identify suspicious entities. Moreover, the Commission is emphasizing the importance of advertising repositories, which are crucial for detecting fraudulent ads and patterns used by scammers, enabling regulators and researchers to take appropriate actions. The Commission's inquiries demonstrate the practical application of the DSA, highlighting the EU's proactive approach to digital regulation. The initiative aims to ensure that online platforms and search engines are held accountable for the content and activities on their platforms, contributing to a safer, more trustworthy digital ecosystem for all European citizens. This effort aligns with the broader goal of creating a digital environment that is both innovative and secure.