Trivago fined almost $45 million for misleading customers

FIRST with NEIL MITCHELL

Travel website Trivago has been fined nearly $45 million for misleading consumers about hotel room rates.

While Trivago led consumers to believe it was helping them to identify the best deal or cheapest rate, the Federal Court has ruled Trivago used an algorithm to promote hotels which paid to be listed.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had been seeking a fine of $90 million for the travel comparison website.

But chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Gina Cass-Gottleib, says it’s still a big win.

“We’ve had higher penalties … however in terms of the websites this is absolutely the highest that we have had to date,” she said.

“Misleading and deceptive conduct is high in our list where we’re taking action and investigating.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about the landmark ruling

Image: Trivago