The EU is scrutinizing how Apple, Google, and Microsoft tackle online scams

The European Union is scrutinizing the efforts of major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, to tackle the proliferation of online scams on their platforms. The EU regulators have formally requested information from these companies, as well as Booking Holdings, under the Digital Services Act. The regulators aim to assess whether these companies are doing enough to detect and prevent financial fraud, such as fake banking apps in app stores and fraudulent search results. The EU tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, emphasized the need for online platforms to take all necessary efforts to address illegal content. The information requests could lead to official investigations, which could result in potential fines of up to six percent of the companies' annual global turnover if they are found to be non-compliant. The EU's move is part of its broader efforts to ensure that online platforms are taking adequate measures to protect consumers from digital scams and illegal activities.