Australian competition authorities have accused US room and apartment rental platform Airbnb of misleading customers. From 2018 to 2021, the San Francisco-based company quoted prices in US dollars instead of significantly more expensive Australian dollars, the antitrust authority ACCC said in a court letter.
Airbnb refused to refund customers who complained about overspending. Also, no currency conversion fees were paid.
Fine of 10 percent of annual turnover threatens
Airbnb has since adapted its platform and the currencies underlying the prices are now clearly stated. It is still unclear what fine Airbnb will have to pay. It can amount to a maximum of ten percent of the annual turnover.
The ACCC is known for its tough stance on US technology companies. Amazon and other online retailers are also currently under review.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
