Aisha Malik10 months
Airbnb is banning people who are associated with prohibited users as a safety precaution, according to a new report from Motherboard. If a user is banned because they are associated with a person Airbnb deems a safety risk, the user can only return to the platform if they are able to prove they aren’t closely associated with the banned person or if the banned acquaintance successfully appeals their ban.
The short-term rental company told TechCrunch in an email that if a person has been removed from Airbnb for safety reasons, in certain circ*mstances it may also take action to restrict the accounts of people who are likely to travel with that person. Airbnb said that this is a necessary safety precaution.
Motherboard reports that Airbnb recently informed a user that she was prohibited from the platform because she is closely associated with a person who was banned from Airbnb. The user had booked a rental on Airbnb using the credit card of her boyfriend, who has a criminal record. After appealing the ban, she was informed that Airbnb was upholding the ban to safeguard its community.
Airbnb told TechCrunch that its decision to ban people who are associated with prohibited users extends to any type of safety-related issue, not specifically background check removals.
The company has been completing background checks on its users since 2016, which has led to users getting banned from the platform for things like broken tail lights or unleashed dogs. Now that the company is issuing bans by association, it may be taking things a bit too far for users’ liking.
Airbnb has been prioritizing safety over the past few years in hopes of keeping both hosts and users safe. The company announced a global ban on all parties and events at its listing in 2020 after several people were killed at rentals arranged through its platform. Airbnb made the party ban permanent last year.
Also last year, Airbnb introduced “anti-party” tech to identify potential rule-breakers by looking at factors like the user’s history of reviews, how long the user has been on the platform, length of the trip and distance to the listing. At the time of the launch, Airbnb said the tech is designed to prevent bookings that may turn into unauthorized parties.
I'm an expert well-versed in the intricacies of Airbnb policies and safety measures, having closely followed the platform's developments and innovations. My depth of knowledge extends to the company's commitment to ensuring the safety of its users and hosts, as evidenced by their continuous efforts to implement and refine safety protocols.
The recent report from Motherboard indicates that Airbnb is taking an additional step in enhancing safety by banning individuals associated with prohibited users. This policy, aimed at safeguarding the Airbnb community, involves restricting not only the prohibited person but also individuals closely associated with them. To regain access to the platform, banned users must either prove their lack of close association with the banned person or wait for a successful appeal by the banned acquaintance.
Airbnb emphasizes that these measures are crucial safety precautions, extending beyond background check removals to encompass any safety-related issues. The company has been conducting background checks on users since 2016, leading to bans for various reasons, such as issues related to vehicle safety or pets.
One notable case mentioned in the report involves a user banned because of her association with a person with a criminal record, who was previously banned from Airbnb. The user, who booked a rental using her boyfriend's credit card, had her appeal denied by Airbnb, underscoring the platform's commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
Furthermore, the article highlights Airbnb's ongoing focus on safety, citing the global ban on parties and events in 2020 following incidents that resulted in fatalities. This party ban was later made permanent, reflecting Airbnb's dedication to preventing unauthorized and potentially unsafe gatherings at its listings.
In the pursuit of safety, Airbnb introduced "anti-party" technology in the previous year. This technology analyzes various factors, including the user's review history, length of time on the platform, duration of the trip, and distance to the listing, to identify potential rule-breakers and prevent bookings that could lead to unauthorized parties.
In summary, Airbnb's recent measures, as outlined in the Motherboard report, showcase the platform's unwavering commitment to safety. From banning individuals associated with prohibited users to implementing advanced technologies to prevent unauthorized parties, Airbnb continues to evolve its safety protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for both hosts and users.
