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Storm on the Capitol in Washington: Google speaks of "unprecedented events"
Photo: STEPHANIE KEITH / REUTERS
Before the inauguration of the future US President Joe Biden, several Internet platforms limit their offer.
After the authorities called not to travel to Washington DC for the ceremony, the Airbnb rental platform wants to cancel reservations in the metropolitan area of the US capital during the opening week.
The company also said it wanted to block new bookings.
Guests whose reservations are canceled would get their money back, it said.
Hosts were also reimbursed for the money they would have earned with these canceled reservations.
Airbnb is responding to the concerns of many people that the event after the storm on the US Capitol a week ago in Washington could lead to rioting again by foreigners.
Under the hashtag #DontRentDC, hosts on social media were encouraged not to rent any rooms during the period.
The fears are not unfounded: Airbnb itself writes that after reports of rioters from the media and authorities, the platform identified “numerous people” who are allegedly “either connected to known hate groups or otherwise involved in the criminal activities at the Capitol building «.
Airbnb announced that it has now banned all known cases from the platform.
According to security experts, however, the threat from right-wing extremists and militant Trump supporters has continued to increase in recent days.
In Washington, up to 15,000 National Guard soldiers will be deployed to the Capitol until Biden's inauguration next Wednesday.
According to CNN, the Federal Police FBI warned that there could be new violent protests around the swearing-in of the Democrat.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called on people to stay at home: "We ask Americans not to come to Washington for the 59th inauguration of the President on January 20 and instead participate virtually."
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In addition to Airbnb, Google also responded to the increased threat level.
The company announced that it would suppress political ads on all of its platforms until at least January 21st.
In an email to advertisers previously reported by the news portal "Axios", this was justified with the "unprecedented events of the past week and the impending inauguration of the President" on January 20.
It was only on December 10th that Google lifted a temporary ban on election-related advertising that came into effect after the polling stations closed in the US presidential election in November - and aimed to contain misinformation.
Facebook has also blocked political advertising.
A corporate spokeswoman said there has been an increase in evidence of impending violence since the Capitol was stormed.
The social network has been taking action against content since Monday with the request "Stop the steal".
This is a battle cry from Trump supporters who, despite all recounts and failed lawsuits, assume massive election fraud.
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