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OCU calls for consumer protections in Booking investigation and insurance transparency
The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has requested that the European Commission recognize damages suffered by consumers during its in-depth investigation into Booking.com. The probe, conducted under the Digital Services Act (DSA), examines the platform's control over fraudulent advertisements, phishing scams, and other user risks. OCU noted that if non-compliance is proven, Booking.com could face fines of up to 6% of its annual turnover. The request follows reports of rental scams in Madrid and over 2,000 consumer complaints received by the organization this year regarding non-existent accommodations and fraudulent communications.
Separately, the OCU has called for greater transparency regarding price increases in private health insurance. An OCU survey revealed that 10% of users reported premium increases following a decline in their health status. The organization is urging the Ministry of Health and the Directorate General of Insurance to mandate clearer information regarding age-based premiums, price hike mechanisms, and coverage limitations, noting that 22% of insured individuals found specific treatments were not covered by their policies.
Additionally, the OCU issued guidance for residential communities to avoid heating overcharges this winter. An analysis of electricity and natural gas bills suggests that many communities pay excessive amounts due to uncompetitive rates and over-dimensioned contracted power. The organization estimates significant potential savings by switching to regulated tariffs or adjusting power contracts.
Entities
Booking.com · European Commission · Madrid · Ministry of Health · OCU
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Booking.com could face sanctions of up to 6% of its annual turnover if non-compliance is proven. elderecho.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One in ten users reported that their health insurance premium increased when their health status worsened. www.noticiasdenavarra.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 22% of insured individuals reported that a specific treatment was not covered by their policy. www.noticiasdenavarra.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The OCU analyzed 85 electricity bills and 15 natural gas bills from the free market. www.que.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] OCU has received more than 2,000 inquiries and complaints related to Booking.com so far this year. elderecho.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Booking.com under the Digital Services Act. elderecho.com