Airbnb is using AI to crack down on Halloween parties in Toronto. Here’s how it works

Airbnb says it’s using artificial intelligence to impede “disruptive and unauthorized” parties in Toronto ahead of Halloween and the upcoming weekend.

The vacation rental company has implemented what it calls an AI-driven anti-party system across North America. Last year, the party-prevention approach blocked thousands of renters around this time.

The AI learning system blocks certain one-night and two-night reservations over Halloween for entire home listings in Toronto and throughout Canada.

An Airbnb spokesperson says the AI technology observes hundreds of signals of a booking attempt that could indicate a higher risk for what the company calls a “disruptive or unauthorized party incident,” including the length of the trip, the distance to the listing, and whether the booking is last-minute.

“While disruptive parties are rare, we want to try to reduce the risk of them even more,” said Naba Banerjee, Head of Trust and Safety at Airbnb. “Our AI anti-party system is an important tool in helping us to do that, and we’re optimistic it will have a positive impact [on] our community and neighbourhoods this Halloween.”

On top of limiting one-and-two-night reservations, Airbnb says potential guests aiming to make local bookings must understand that the vacation rental company bans parties.

If that rule is broken, the guest could face suspension or removal from the platform.

Thousands of would-be renters blocked from renting on Halloween last year: Airbnb

Statistics shared by Airbnb through its AI-driven system show that approximately 15,500 people in California, 11,300 in Florida and 11,000 in Texas were blocked from renting properties during Halloween in 2022.

Airbnb continues to engage with law enforcement from across the U.S. to deter large parties at its rental properties, adding that neighbours can report concerns about a home they believe is listed on Airbnb via the company’s 24/7 Neighborhood Support Line, available at airbnb.com/neighbors.

Meanwhile, the City of Toronto is actively evaluating the implementation of its short-term rental bylaw to examine its progress and identify areas for improvement. All short-term rental companies are required to obtain a license to operate in Toronto.

A virtual meeting is expected to be held on Thursday.