Airbnb activates anti-party tech for New Year’s Eve
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Airbnb said it is activating enhanced anti-party technology across Puerto Rico as part of a broader effort to limit disruptive stays during the holiday period.
The system uses machine learning to analyze hundreds of signals associated with each reservation to identify bookings that may present a higher risk of disorder, according to the company.
Reservations flagged by the technology are either blocked or redirected to alternative lodging options on the platform, including private rooms or hotel stays.
During last year’s New Year’s Eve period, similar measures prevented more than 200 people in Puerto Rico from booking an entire home through Airbnb, the company said. The technology supports Airbnb’s global ban on disruptive parties, which has been in effect for several years.
“This technology evaluates hundreds of signals to identify reservations that may pose a higher risk of disorder,” the company said, adding that the tools are intended to stop potentially problematic bookings before they occur.
Airbnb said that since introducing the party ban and related enforcement measures, the global rate of party-related complaints has declined by more than 50% over the past five years. The company said the policy is aimed at protecting hosts, guests and surrounding communities.
The platform reiterated that third-party bookings are prohibited and that unaccompanied stays by minors under 18 are not allowed.
“Anyone who violates these rules may have their account removed, see their holiday bookings canceled and be held financially responsible for any property damage,” Airbnb said.
The company also said it encourages adults not to book stays on behalf of others and to remain alert to online activity that could indicate plans for unauthorized gatherings. Airbnb said it cooperates with law enforcement when criminal investigations are necessary.
In addition to reservation screening, Airbnb said it provides hosts with year-round tools to help prevent parties, including a Neighborhood Support Line for urgent concerns, a 24-hour safety line for hosts and guests, and free noise sensors for eligible hosts. The company said the sensors are designed to detect potential issues early without recording audio, in an effort to protect guest privacy.
