EU wants to know how Apple, Google are tackling e-scams
**EU Investigates How Apple, Google, and Others Are Tackling Online Scams**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 23, 2025, 08:02 PM*
The European Union (EU) has launched a scrutiny into leading tech companies Apple, Google, and Microsoft over their efforts to combat online scams. According to the Financial Times, this investigation falls under the framework of the Digital Services Act, aiming to ensure a safer digital environment for users. Booking Holdings, a major player in the travel industry that owns Booking.com and other accommodation platforms, is also under review.
**EU’s Commitment to a Safer Online Environment**
Henna Virkkunen, an EU official, highlighted the increasing frequency of criminal activities taking place on the internet, stating, “We see that more and more criminal actions are taking place online.” She stressed the critical need for online platforms to actively detect and prevent such illegal content, underlining the EU’s strong commitment to enhancing cyberspace safety for all users.
**Focus Areas: Fraudulent Apps and Fake Search Results**
The investigation will focus on several key areas. For Apple and Google, regulators are particularly interested in how these companies handle fraudulent apps within their app stores, including fake banking applications that can deceive users. Meanwhile, Google’s and Microsoft’s search engines will be examined for the presence of fake or misleading search results.
Booking Holdings faces scrutiny regarding its management of bogus accommodation listings on its platforms. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates the EU’s determination to tackle online scams comprehensively across various digital services.
**Potential Financial Consequences**
The EU’s information requests could escalate into formal investigations. Should any wrongdoing be identified, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking Holdings may be subject to hefty fines—potentially reaching up to 6% of their annual global turnover.
This move reinforces the EU’s effort to hold major digital players accountable and protect consumers from escalating online fraud and scams.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/eu-probes-apple-google-microsoft-over-online-scams/story
