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According to Reuters, the Preferred Partners program was in the crosshairs. According to the regulator, it may work not so much in the interests of users as in the interests of the platform itself. It is about the fact that higher positions in the search and noticeable promotion get those hotels that pay higher commissions. If this is confirmed, Booking may be accused of misleading practices that can distort competition in the online booking market.
The investigation covers three entities at once: Booking.com B.V., Booking.com International B.V. and Booking.com (Italy) S.r.l..
The case has already moved into an active phase. On Tuesday, April 21, the regulator’s staff, supported by the Guardia di Finanza, conducted inspections at the company’s Italian offices, a step that usually indicates the seriousness of the claims.
The case fits into a broader trend: European authorities are increasingly checking digital platforms for opaque algorithms and possible manipulation. Previously, similar issues have been raised in relation to other technology giants working with marketplaces.
