Judge Sets Back NYC's Attempt to Grab Airbnb's Data

"A Manhattan Federal judge ruled [earlier this month] that Airbnb does not have to turn over data on its hosts to New York City authorities," reports Stephen Rex Brown.

"Judge Paul Engelmayer wrote that a new law requiring Airbnb to turn over hosts’ information starting Feb. 2 should not go into effect because it potentially violates the Fourth Amendment protecting against unlawful search or seizure," adds Brown.

The city of New York and Mayor Bill de Blasio approved the law in 2018, hoping to cut down on illegal hotel operators, after years of consideration and multiple studies finding that short-term rentals make the rental market more expensive in the city. The article made not mention of whether the ruling could potentially have precedent on similar laws approved in other cities.