Airbnb rolls out ‘regular New Yorkers’ before court battle

[hrmjustin]

Laura Nahmias

Airbnb, the short-term rental service, is rolling out a marketing campaign called "We are Airbnb" that showcases its users as "regular New Yorkers who occasionally share their home with travelers," in advance of a state court battle set to begin this afternoon in Albany.

The campaign features videos of people talking about their experience using the site, in an attempt to rebut critics who say the site enables illegal hotel operators.

Attorney General Schneiderman subpoenaed the company for information about its customers and their rental listings, but Airbnb is fighting the request, which the company claims is too broad and onerous. Arguments over those subpoenas are expected to be heard this afternoon at the Albany County Courthouse.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/04/8544061/airbnb-rolls-out-regular-new-yorkers-court-battle?top-featured-1