Airbnb Removes 59,000 Fake Listings, Uses AI to Crack Down on Fraudsters

Airbnb, the popular short-term rental service, has taken action against fake listings and fraudsters on its platform. Using artificial intelligence (AI), Airbnb has removed 59,000 fake listings and prevented a further 157,000 from joining this year. The company conducted a survey among its users, which revealed that fake listings and high cleaning fees were among the top concerns. To address these issues, Airbnb made changes to how prices are displayed, encouraging hosts to offer all-inclusive pricing and removing or lowering cleaning fees for over 260,000 listings. While these changes have had a positive impact, with many hosts adjusting their prices accordingly, only about one-third of Airbnb renters are utilizing this feature. In an effort to combat the proliferation of fake listings, Airbnb plans to introduce a verification process for all listings in its top five markets, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This process will involve hosts physically verifying their listings by opening the Airbnb app inside the property, while GPS technology will confirm the correct address. Additionally, AI will compare live photos taken by hosts with the images used in the listing. If successful, the verified listings will receive a special icon. The company also intends to use AI to verify listings in 30 more countries. Airbnb recognizes that fraudulent listings not only result in refunds and rebooking costs but also damage its reputation. By implementing these measures, Airbnb aims to ensure that its users can trust the authenticity and quality of the accommodations they book, enhancing the overall experience and discouraging them from opting for traditional hotels instead. This move reflects Airbnb’s commitment to maintaining a trustworthy platform for its users.