Airbnb using 'anti-party technology' to crack down on bookings this holiday weekend
The company says it's eyeing out several aspects: whether it's a last-minute booking, how many nights, the type of desired listing and the spot's location in relation to the main residence of the guest.
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For the fourth year, Airbnb is bringing out its “anti-party technology” to flag holiday bookings that have a greater risk of suggesting a future party.
Locally, Seaside Heights is a hot spot for Fourth of July Airbnbs and gatherings. But the property rental company is making sure people nationwide aren’t looking to use their service just to throw a disruptive party.
"The flaw with the system would just be like you're flagging people that may not be even trying to use it for that purpose,” said Somerville resident Samantha Beach, who was visiting Seaside Heights.
The company says it's eyeing out several aspects: whether it's a last-minute booking, how many nights, the type of desired listing and the spot's location in relation to the main residence of the guest.
"I don't think it's really stopping anything,” said New York resident Brandon Ali. “People are going to figure out ways to do what they want to, whether there are guardrails in place or not."
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If someone gets blocked from a house listing, Airbnb will refer the guest to other types of listings.
"Which I get like Airbnb owners want to protect their properties, but I think that not everyone is going to trash a place,” said Hillsdale resident Carleigh Boyle.
Airbnb touted last year that about 51,000 users were stopped from a full house booking between both Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend.
During these high-demand times, the company's constant "global reservation screening technology" works in conjunction with the seasonal anti-party technology.
This is in conjunction with the crackdown measures in place by Seaside Heights.
“We've put into place ordinances which put the homeowner, the landlord, responsible," said Mayor Anthony Vaz. "Even though it's through Airbnb, they have an obligation. But the homeowner has a final obligation."
Mayor Vaz explained one penalty example with an updated fine: the occupancy limitation of six people.
"Up until a month ago, there was only a $100 fine," said Vaz. "Now it's different. Anybody over six, each person - if there's 12, that's six extra people - it's up to $2,000 a piece."
The mayor said the community has worked hard over the last 10 years to make this a family destination and said nobody is above the law.
