Trip.com shares plunge 17% amid anti-monopoly probe and AI pricing tool controversy

Trip.com Group's shares dropped 17% after the company announced a regulatory investigation under China's Anti-Monopoly Law related to its AI-driven hotel price adjustment tool. The tool, which automatically lowered hotel prices, allegedly pressured hotel partners and stifled competition, leading to a loss of investor confidence and a securities class action lawsuit. Following the probe, Trip.com’s co-founders resigned, and the company decided to shut down the AI pricing tool to restore pricing autonomy for hotel partners. Investors who suffered losses during this period are encouraged to seek legal counsel as investigations continue.