In Australia, we have been a story of success in containing and managing Covid infections. Supported by the whole community, who have understood the need for change, and changed.
I’ve hosted for a few years and work very hard to provide safe stays. I’ve worked inside the system with almost religious fervour, asking guests to keep their messages inside the platform and to follow the rules. But now, this system is putting me and my family at risk, this system is preventing compliance with emergency orders in my country issued by Chief Health Officers.
As required by Law in Australia, I need to know the identity of Every guest and ask health screening questions before I allow a stay. There are several other requirements in the “Health Management Plan for Accommodation”, as issued by the Queensland State Government, mandatory procedures for the crisis. These operational requirements will not change anytime soon, in my opinion.
Redaction and censorship inside the AirBnB messaging system is preventing me from receiving and recording the information that my Chief Health Officer requires. The most common redaction's are for Date of Birth and Phone Numbers. I’m sure any experienced host has, at one time or another, had their communications censored by AirBnB. The censorship system has other elements you may have encountered, for example, try to provide an alternate communication route and this is also redacted.
I’ve tried to get AirBNB support to help me, but experienced hosts will perhaps know, support responses can be very floral and totally empty of help. I believe AirBnB will strongly resist change, because in their view it might reduce potential service fee income. I’ve asked others for help and I’ve written to my State Member of Parliament. My MP has agreed that the situation seems farcical and dangerous, they have asked the Health Department to investigate. I have also reported AirBnB to the Queensland Police Service, because in my state, any business that operates in a manner that is not Covid Safe will be sanctioned, or ordered to close.
It’s your help I now beg for, I beg that you also act to bring this issue to public scrutiny. Please let your local politician know about this dangerous behaviour. If, where you live, it is an offence for a business to act in a Non-Covid safe manner, I beg you to report that behaviour. It might be the Health Department or Police Service or Fair Trading Office that deals with the matter in your jurisdiction, please tell those officials.
I remind AirBnB staff, my safety and the safety of my family is a responsibility you share. To keep my family and guests safe, I require free and open communication with my guests so I can comply with the Law in Australia.
