Plagued by very public allegations of user bias, Airbnb, thepolarizing, popular home-rental platform vowed to enact tougher measures against hosts who discriminate against potential guests.
In a sweeping internal report released on Thursday, the San Francisco company formally reckoned with the claims. “An increasing number of Airbnb hosts and guests have voiced their concerns about being discriminated against when trying to book a listing because of their race, sexual orientation or gender identity,” read the report, which was written by the former American Civil Liberties Union director Laura Murphy and the current head of a public-affairs consultancy.
To combat bias, the company announced that it would take several steps, some symbolic and others more actionable, to promote a more inclusive platform. Starting in November, all users will be asked to affirm a pledge to eschew bias:
We believe that no matter who you are, where you are from, or where you travel, you should be able to belong in the Airbnb community. By joining this community, you commit to treat all fellow members of this community, regardless of race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age, with respect, and without judgment or bias.
The company also further outlined its new nondiscrimination policy, which was developed with help from former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who joined the company as an advisor this summer.
[For more of this story, written by Adam Chandler, go to http://www.theatlantic.com/bus...irbnb-racism/499208/]
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