September 29, 2025, 3:34 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Online fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats on the internet—and the EU Commission now wants to take decisive action against it. The focus is not on individual users, but on the large digital companies, which it believes have a special responsibility.
The Brussels authority is currently examining how major platform operators protect their users from cybercrime. Specifically, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking.com have been asked to explain to the commission what measures they are taking against fraud. According to a report by “Spiegel.de,” the companies are to detail how they protect their customers from fake apps, fraudulent offers, or manipulated communication channels.
Suspected Lapses in Security Mechanisms
With the investigation, the EU aims to determine whether the companies are making it easier for fraudsters to carry out their schemes online due to inadequate security measures. Since the four companies in question control a significant portion of global internet traffic, Brussels sees them as having a special responsibility. Under the standards of the Digital Services Act, they are required to effectively protect users from fraud.
The commission is particularly critical of the app stores of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Here, fraudsters could place fake or manipulated applications due to insufficient security measures. Misleading online ads are also in focus—an area that primarily concerns Google. Additionally, Booking.com must explain itself after recent fraud cases on the platform, where criminals used internal communication channels to pose as supposed hotels or organizers to travelers.
Possible Consequences: Million-Dollar Fines
The companies involved must respond within a deadline set by the commission and demonstrate their protective measures. If there is no response or if the precautions are found to be insufficient, proceedings and substantial fines could follow. Refusal to cooperate could also lead to sanctions.
With this, the EU makes it clear: In the future, not only the victims themselves but especially the largest platforms on the internet will be held more accountable in the fight against online fraud.