EU puts Airbnb on notice for breaching rules on pricing and transparency
The online booking platform’s terms and conditions must be fairer and more understandable to consumers
Brussels — Airbnb was warned by the EU to expect a regulatory clampdown unless its terms and conditions and the way it presents holiday-home prices comply with EU standards by the end of August. The online platform must present price information more transparently and make the distinction between private and professional hosts clearer to consumers, the European Commission said on Monday. "Popularity cannot be an excuse for not complying with EU consumer rules," said EU commissioner for consumers Vera Jourova. "Consumers must easily understand what for and how much they are expected to pay for the services and have fair rules, eg on cancellation of the accommodation by the owner." Airbnb burst onto the scene a decade ago by persuading millions of people to open their homes to strangers — starting a trend for adventurous vacationers looking for cheap accommodation. It has faced criticism, including from landlords, of violating zoning laws and operating as an illegal hotel. Critics hav...
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