Airbnb will verify all of its listings
Airbnb Inc will undertake a mammoth task of verifying all listings on its platform.
Airbnb chief Brian Chesky said the company will tighten up security following the fatal shooting last week at a California home which left five people dead.
Although it has a verification process, all seven million listings will be checked against IDs on file, photos and addresses to ensure they are legitimate.
It plans to complete this by the end of 2020.
In coordination with automated checks, it will employ more human reviewers to verify high risk reservations.
In addition, it is launching a hotline manned by agents for neighbors of Airbnb listings to voice any concerns.
"We’re in the business of trust, but that only works if people trust our community and people trust that when something goes wrong, Airbnb is there for you," Chesky said.
It is also working with two ex-police chiefs to look at ways to improve safety and security.
Valued at more than $30 billion, Airbnb hopes to go public some time next year.
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.
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations