This New Year’s Eve, Airbnb is introducing measures which it says will help reduce the risk of unauthorized and disruptive parties. 

In a statement it says: “This anti-party technology uses machine learning to identify and block potentially higher-risk bookings of entire home listings from being made – with the goal of promoting positive travel and hosting on the platform.

“Airbnb’s defences assess a number of signals – including the length of the trip, the type of listing, how far the listing is from the guest’s location, and when the reservation is being made – to help determine the potential risk for a disruptive, unauthorized party. 

“If a booking is identified as higher risk, the guest will either be blocked from booking, or redirected to alternative accommodations on the platform.”

A spokesperson adds: “While issues are rare, we want to do our part to help reduce the risk  of unauthorised and disruptive parties. Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defenses allow guests, hosts and neighbors to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance.”

Measures include:

Restrictions on one to three night reservations: This applies to entire home listings rather than individual rooms;

Mandatory anti-party attestation: Guests who can make reservations will need to confirm that they understand that disruptive and unauthorized parties are not allowed and they face suspension or removal from the Airbnb platform if they violate this policy;

Reservation Screening: this is in effect globally year round: 

Noise sensors for landlords: available free of charge; 

24 Hour Safety Line: for landlords to reach an Airbnb safety team; and

Neighbourhood Support Line: for local complaints.