For Airbnb, the situation is more severe — the company’s entire business has been accused of being discriminatory. The online short-term rental company has faced months of criticism this year over how its hosts can easily reject renters based on their gender, race, age and other factors. In a message accompanying the report, Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s chief executive, apologized for how slow the company has been in addressing the issue. Because discrimination threatens the heart of Airbnb’s business, which is to provide accommodation to everyone, everywhere. If hosts pick and choose who they will, or will not, rent to, guests are likely to be turned off and personally offended.

Source: New York Times September 09, 2016 15:45 UTC