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How AirBnB's Data Hid the Facts in NYC [pdf]

insideairbnb.com

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Re: How AirBnB's Data Hid the Facts in NYC [pdf]

#21

Could this result in criminal penalties for the executives who signed off on the data?

It's definitely seedy, but it doesn't sound like it's illegal. Misrepresenting data is one thing, but circulating misleading data is hard to define and punish.

lieing and destroying evidence if there is a warrant or subpoena is a definitive crime.

Re: How AirBnB's Data Hid the Facts in NYC [pdf]

#22
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The facts reveal that AirBNB is actively covering up that they are permitting hosts to violate New York Law by listing multiple dwellings on the platform.

Hmm. Is that their responsibility to enforce? Not really familiar with the details here, but it seems akin to holding Craigslist responsible for someone selling a stolen bike.

No. It is their responsibility to accurately disclose.

Re: How AirBnB's Data Hid the Facts in NYC [pdf]

#23
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hmm. Is that their responsibility to enforce? Not really familiar with the details here, but it seems akin to holding Craigslist responsible for someone selling a stolen bike.

I would say you have a bad analogy - Craigslist doesn't really have a good way of knowing if somebody is selling something stolen. AirBNB on the other hand is covering evidence of their customers breaking the law, on purpose.

They collect the SSN of hosts for the federally-mandated 1099K disclosures, so they can use that or a hash of that as a unique identifier and prevent listing multiple dwellings in localities that have such laws.

Re: How AirBnB's Data Hid the Facts in NYC [pdf]

#24
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Housing in NYC is expensive. Zoning laws exist in part to control housing costs. Airbnb is seen as a way to circumvent these laws by facilitating short-term listings in otherwise long-term residential areas. Airbnb released a detailed snapshot of its NYC listings in order to minimize such concerns and prevent restrictions on its business. However, individuals who had been consistently collecting similar data from Air…

Disgraceful behavior, but would no doubt be condoned here as excellent hustle.

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