The European Commission has announced the opening of a formal investigation into the booking platform Booking.com. The basis for the inspection is the Digital Services Act (DSA) — a key European Union document regulating the activities of online platforms and their responsibility for content and user safety. The investigation is aimed at assessing how effectively Booking.com counteracts fraudulent schemes and deceptive practices on its platform. In particular, the regulator intends to check whether the company is taking sufficient measures to protect users from fake listings, unscrupulous sellers, and other forms of online fraud. The Digital Services Act requires large online platforms, including Booking.com, to implement mechanisms for detecting and removing illegal content, as well as ensuring transparency in their algorithms and moderation policies. Failure to comply with DSA requirements may result in significant fines — up to 6% of the company's annual global turnover. This investigation is part of a broader European Commission initiative to strengthen oversight of major digital platforms operating in the European Union. Similar inspections have previously been conducted against other technology giants, including social networks and marketplaces. The Commission emphasized that the opening of formal proceedings does not automatically constitute an admission of violations, but gives the regulator additional powers to gather evidence, including the ability to request internal company documents and conduct on-site inspections. The investigation results may affect further regulation of online accommodation booking platforms and tourism services within the EU.