Airbnb to share customer data with Chinese government

Airbnb to share customer data with Chinese government

Home-sharing giant say it will comply with local laws ‘like all businesses operating in country’ Continue reading

The Chinese government will receive information from Airbnb about customers who book accommodation in the country

Data shared with the authorities will include passport details and the dates of bookings.

People listing accommodation in China will also have their details passed on once they start accepting bookings, the BBC reported.

The online home-sharing giant said the move meant it was now complying with local laws and regulations, “like all businesses operating in China”.

Airbnb China – the firm’s local operation – has about 140,000 listings.

Hotels in China are already required to share their guest information with the government and local police.

Tourists and travellers staying in private homes are also technically supposed to register their accommodation details with the police within 24 hours of arriving at a destination.

Airbnb said it was simply falling in line with the traditional hospitality industry in China.

“The information we collect is similar to information hotels in China have collected for decades,” an Airbnb spokesman said.

“[It is] one step we are taking as we explore ways to help our hosts and guests follow the appropriate rules and regulations [in China].”

Customers have to provide their passport information before they can confirm an Airbnb China accommodation booking, unlike most countries.