Tripadvisor probed by Italian antitrust authority - update

(ANSA) - Rome, May 20 - The Italian Competition Authority has begun proceedings for improper commercial practices against the popular travel website Tripadvisor, the Antitrust watchdog said in a statement Tuesday. The inquiry aims to establish whether the company adopts appropriate measures to prevent and reduce the risk of publication of false reviews. The decision to open proceedings follows numerous reports from consumers, hotel and restaurant owners and the national consumer union, the Antitrust authority said. On Monday the anti-trust authority said that it has launched a probe into two other big travel websites, Booking and Expedia.
    The authority is investigating allegations the sites may hinder competition in the reservations business and consumers' ability to find the best available travel offers, it said.