Anti-Airbnb campaigners launch ‘sex offender’ search tool
ShareBetter, a New York coalition set up to fight the growing influence of Airbnb and the ‘sharing economy’ in the Big Apple, has launched an online map tool where prospective short term rental guests can check for building code violations in the area or whether a convicted sex offender lives nearby.
The ‘Share Safer’ map tool is the latest shock tactic by the group to combat ‘illegal’ rentals in New York.
ShareBetter, which launched last month, is made up of local politicians, community activists, tenant associations and advocates of affordable housing.
"Airbnb and other illegal hotel websites keep consumers in the dark about public-safety risks," said Manhatten councilman Mark Levine, a member of ShareBetter.
"By shining a light on these hidden dangers, the Share Safer tool puts consumers just a mouse click away from the information they need to keep their families safe," he added.
Airbnb responded, claiming it is nothing more than a scare campaign against Airbnb hosts.
"We’re always eager to have a serious conversation about these issues, but this is just another attempt to attack regular New Yorkers who share the home in which they live," said Airbnb spokesman Nick Papas.
Airbnb claims the group’s campaign is backed by the traditional hotel industry.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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