Airbnb is activating what it calls “heightened anti-party technology” across the UK to help reduce the risk of disruptive parties over the festive season.

Powered by machine learning, this technology assesses hundreds of signals to identify bookings that could potentially be higher risk for a disruptive party, with the aim of stopping those reservations from being made. 

Those bookings are either blocked entirely from proceeding, or the guest is redirected to alternative listings on the platform, like a private room or hotel room.

A statement from the short lets platform says: “This technology is an important part of our investment in upholding our global ban on disruptive parties. In the five years since we introduced this policy and measures to help enforce it, we have seen an over 50% decrease in the global rate of party reports to us.”

It says it urges parents, grandparents, and other adults to stay attentive to social media activity, and to not make or allow bookings on their account for others. Officially, third party bookings and unaccompanied stays by anyone under 18 are not allowed on Airbnb.

As a further support for landlords the platform is issuing tips on preventing parties, a neighbourhood support line for local residents to report urgent issues directly, and a 24-hour safety line.