Booking.com must reveal private landlords' contact details

The Austrian Supreme Court has ruled that online booking platforms like Booking.com must disclose the contact information of private landlords to customers immediately after a booking is confirmed. This decision upholds previous rulings and mandates that these platforms inform users about the identity of private accommodation providers.

The case was brought forward by the Austrian Consumer Protection Association (VKI) at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The VKI's legal action targeted Booking.com, asserting the need for greater transparency in the booking process. The Supreme Court's affirmation of this information requirement signifies a significant shift in how online travel agencies operate in Austria.

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The Supreme Court (OGH) affirmed this information obligation, thereby confirming the decision of the lower courts, the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) announced on Tuesday.

This ruling means that individuals booking accommodations through platforms like Booking.com will now be able to directly access the contact details of their private hosts. This increased transparency is expected to streamline communication between guests and hosts and potentially resolve issues more efficiently. The decision aims to protect consumers by ensuring they know who they are renting from.

Changes are expected for accommodation providers as well. They will need to ensure their contact details are readily available through the booking platform. The implications of this ruling extend to how booking platforms manage user data and their responsibilities in facilitating direct communication between parties involved in a rental agreement.

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The VKI had sued the booking platform on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs.