Korea’s media and communications regulator said Monday that it fined Agoda, a global travel booking platform, 2.42 billion won ($1.7 million) for failing to clearly disclose critical financial terms, including cancellation fees and hidden surcharges, to its users. The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) characterized the platform’s practices as a violation of the country’s Telecommunications Business Act. Following a sweeping investigation launched in September 2024, regulators concluded that Agoda had systematically obscured vital pricing information, potentially causing substantial financial harm to consumers booking flights and hotel accommodations. According to the commission, Agoda intentionally buried ticket refund conditions and change fees behind irrelevant hyperlinks labeled “Baggage Allowance and Policy,” rather than displaying them on the primary booking interface. This design effectively prevented travelers from understanding their financial liabilities prior to purchase. The regulator also took aim at Agoda’s “Pay Later” feature. While the platform disp
Agoda fined $1.7 mil. for hidden fees, obscure refund policies
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