Business Wars Airbnb vs NYC | Operation Firestarter | 2
Mar 16, 2022
Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, sheds light on the intense legal battles between Airbnb and New York City. He discusses the challenges posed by the attorney general's subpoenas for user data, raising urgent privacy concerns. The podcast dives into the backlash from hoteliers and community activists, examining the housing crisis exacerbated by short-term rentals. Chesky also explores the company's attempts to win public support amid growing tensions with local officials and neighborhood advocates.
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Subpoena Surprise
- Brian Chesky, Airbnb's CEO, received a subpoena from NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
- The subpoena demanded data on all NY Airbnb hosts, creating a crisis.
Chesky's Dilemma
- Chesky was surprised by the subpoena, especially after offering to cooperate on taxes.
- He worried about the impact on hosts and potential legal trouble for Airbnb.
Courtroom Showdown
- In court, Airbnb argued that Schneiderman's subpoena was overly broad, violating user privacy.
- Schneiderman countered that the data was crucial to identify illegal rentals impacting affordable housing.