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Ryanair Wins Screen-Scraping Lawsuit Against Booking.com: Legal Implications for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Jul 22, 2024 8:56 AM - Parth Sanghvi
Image credit: Oscar Nord
Ryanair Wins Screen-Scraping Lawsuit Against Booking.com: Legal Implications for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
A recent US court ruling has major implications for online travel agencies (OTAs) and their data collection practices. Let's delve into the details of the case and its potential impact on the industry.
Court Rules Booking.com Violated Ryanair's Terms by Screen Scraping
In a landmark decision, a US court ruled that Booking.com violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by accessing Ryanair's website without permission. The court found that Booking.com used screen scraping techniques to collect data on Ryanair's flight prices and availability, which they then used to list and sell Ryanair flights on their platform.
Ryanair Argues Screen Scraping is Unethical and Harmful
Ryanair claims that screen scraping is unethical and ultimately harms consumers. They argue that OTAs like Booking.com can mark up fares and make it difficult for customers to contact airlines directly.
Booking.com Plans to Appeal the Decision
Booking.com maintains that screen scraping allows them to offer consumers a wider range of travel options and compare prices across different airlines. They have announced their intention to appeal the court's decision.
Uncertainties for the Future of OTA Data Collection
This case raises questions about the legality of screen scraping practices used by many OTAs. The final outcome of the appeal could significantly impact how OTAs collect and display travel information.
What Does This Mean for You?
As a traveler, this case highlights the importance of comparing prices across different platforms before booking a flight. It's also a reminder to check the terms and conditions of any website before using it.
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