Airbnb China starts sharing guest data with government

Airbnb China has warned local hosts that details of all guests staying at their properties will be passed on to authorities.

This is to comply with Chinese regulations which require all foreigners to register their accommodation with local police within 24 hours of arrival.

All hotels and guest houses in China have been subject to this for years.

"Like all businesses operating in China, Airbnb China must comply with local laws and regulations," Airbnb said in a statement.

"We’re committed to doing all we can to keep our hosts and guests informed about our work in China and we recently updated our hosts about our requirements under the law. The information we collect is similar to information hotels in China have collected for decades."

In the message to hosts, Airbnb provided a link for hosts if they now wish to delete their listing.

Airbnb has complied without opposition as the China market is key to its targeted growth.

The company has set a target of serving one billion guests within a decade and that will only be achieved with a strong presence across China.  

"China is a critical part to Airbnb’s mission of creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere. By 2020, more Airbnb guests will come from China than any other country," said Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder and chief strategy officer.

China, is Airbnb’s fastest growing domestic market and registered listings have almost doubled in the last year.