The European Union is intensifying pressure on Big Tech companies including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking to combat online financial scams, demanding greater transparency and accountability under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This move signals that Brussels is determined to enforce its landmark internet law, ensuring that major digital platforms do not become tools for fraudsters targeting European citizens.
The European Commission has formally sent requests for information to the companies, asking them to clarify how they prevent their platforms from being exploited by scammers. Concerns range from fake banking apps infiltrating app stores to fraudulent websites appearing in search results. The requests cover Apple’s App Store, Google Play, Microsoft’s Bing, and Booking’s travel platform, highlighting the breadth of potential risks across different online ecosystems.
EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier emphasized that the step is crucial not only for transparency but also for safeguarding consumers. He stressed that platforms operating in Europe must take an active role in ensuring their services are not manipulated for fraudulent activity. While the move itself is not punitive, it could escalate into a full-scale investigation under the DSA, potentially leading to hefty fines for non-compliance.
The targeted companies have already begun responding. Microsoft stated its commitment to providing safe online experiences, while Google highlighted its efforts to block hundreds of millions of scam-related search results daily. Booking disclosed that it had successfully reduced phishing-related fake reservations from 1.5 million in 2023 to just 250,000 in 2024, showing tangible progress in fighting online fraud.
However, the EU’s assertive stance is not without controversy. The DSA and its companion law, the Digital Markets Act, have drawn sharp criticism from the United States, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who labeled the measures as unfair restrictions targeting American tech companies. Figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have also accused Brussels of veiled censorship. The EU rejects these claims, arguing that what is illegal offline must also be illegal online, reaffirming its principle of maintaining the same standards of legality across all environments.
At the same time, the EU points out that its scrutiny is not limited to U.S. tech giants. Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress is also under investigation, reflecting Brussels’ intention to maintain neutrality in enforcement. Still, critics argue that investigations have been too slow, particularly in the case of Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), where a probe launched in December 2023 remains ongoing.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen recently assured that these investigations will be completed in the coming months and warned that more probes could soon follow. This suggests a tougher enforcement era ahead for global digital platforms operating in Europe.
In conclusion, the EU’s latest action against Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking reflects a growing determination to enforce digital accountability. While these companies have taken visible steps to combat scams, Brussels is signaling that partial measures are not enough. As Europe strengthens its legal arsenal against online fraud, Big Tech faces a future where compliance, transparency, and consumer protection are non-negotiable.
