Airbnb targets hate groups ahead of presidential inauguration

Friday, 12 Jan, 2021 0

Airbnb said it will review all reservations made in Washington, DC around next week’s US presidential inauguration to weed out any guests with links to hate groups or violent demonstrations.

The company said it is reviewing arrest records from the Capitol riot and will permanently ban any customers who engaged in criminal activity.

Airbnb’s response comes as DC city officials asked Airbnb, VRBO and other rental platforms to take down listings until after the inauguration.

"There’s no way to guarantee that your guests are not coming to incite violence. Please protect your neighbors and the District from more attacks," tweeted DC city council member Janeese Lewis George.

Airbnb has a policy of kicking out members of hate groups dating back to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

For guests with bookings in Washington DC during the inauguration, Airbnb said it will bring legal action against them if they are found to be planning violent activities.

The home sharing giant said it is ditching political donations to Republicans who voted against certifying the results of the election.

It joins a growing list of major brands to do so, including Marriott International and American Express, while Hilton and American Airlines will halt all political donations.

Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor

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TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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