EU will subject Booking.com to strict rules
The European Union (EU) reported that Booking.com, which provides online accommodation booking services, has been classified as one of the gateway companies subject to strict rules.
The EU Commission announced that it designated Booking.com as a “gatekeeper-controller” within the scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the services it offers.
In the statement, it was pointed out that the basic service offered by Booking.com constitutes an important gateway between businesses and consumers, and it was noted that Booking.com met the gatekeeper-inspector criteria in the preliminary evaluations made by the EU.
In the statement, it was pointed out that the Booking.com platform should offer more options and freedom to users, and it was reminded that the company is subject to additional legal obligations in line with the decision taken.
The statement stated that Booking.com will submit a detailed compliance report within 6 months, outlining how it complies with each of its legal obligations.
In the statement, it was stated that the Commission will monitor the effective implementation of these obligations, and in case of violation of the rules, a fine of up to 10 percent of the company’s total worldwide turnover may be imposed, if the violations continue, the penalty rate may increase up to 20 percent, and in case of systemic violations, some of the company’s activities may be suspended. It was reported that it could be limited.
Under the EU’s law, which was approved last year and caused changes in the activities of digital platforms, large digital platforms and companies operating in Europe were called gatekeepers and began to be subject to strict obligations.