The EU has launched an investigation into Google, Apple, and Microsoft. The Union wants to know whether the tech companies are taking sufficient responsibility to prevent the spread of online fraud on their platforms.
The EU questions whether Apple, Google, and Microsoft are making adequate efforts to prevent online fraud across their respective platforms. To that end, the Union has initiated an investigation, with the major tech firms first required to share information. That’s according to the Financial Times. The investigation is being carried out under the companies’ obligations set by the Digital Services Act. European firm Booking Holdings, the company behind Booking.com, is also being scrutinized.
The EU wants to find out how Apple and Google handle fraudulent apps in their respective app stores—such as fake banking apps. For Google and Microsoft, researchers are looking at deceptive search results. Booking must explain how it tries to block fake accommodations.
DSA
The Digital Services Act imposes responsibilities on major technology companies for managing and securing their platforms. While the EU recognizes it’s not possible to prevent every form of abuse in real time, organizations must still make adequate efforts to ensure their platforms aren’t misused.
If the EU determines those efforts are lacking, a formal investigation may follow. If found in violation, fines can reach up to six percent of annual revenue.
The investigation doesn’t come out of nowhere. Citizens across the EU are losing significant amounts of money to online fraud. Fake ads, malicious yet realistic-looking investment platforms, and bogus banking apps all play a role.
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