September 22, 2014
There are many issues raised by Uber, Airbnb, and other major companies that are part of the “sharing economy.” For example Uber drivers don’t have to pass the same tests, undergo the same background checks, or carry the same insurance as drivers for traditional taxis. Uber cars also don’t have to meet rules about being handicap accessible.
The same sorts of issues arise with rooms rented through Airbnb. These rooms don’t have to meet the safety and accessibility standards imposed on hotels. Also, many people living in apartment buildings rent out rooms, creating a nuisance for their neighbors who didn’t expect to be living in a hotel.
These and other issues have been raised by people concerned about the spread of the sharing economy in both Europe and the United States. The NYT has however determined that these concerns are not real, telling readers:
“As in the United States, where tech start-ups have also faced legal challenges, the wide-ranging response in Europe often comes down to whether lawmakers view the companies as a threat to local businesses or an opportunity to improve economic growth.”
Apparently the NYT believes that people who raise concerns about hotels being accessible to people with disabilities or that they should not be fire hazards are actually only interested in protecting existing businesses. That’s an interesting position to express in a news article.
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