Airbnb calls its hosts ‘micro-entrepreneurs’ who are in need of new laws

Addressing his company’s legal battle with New York over its users’ data, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said on Tuesday that maybe the current laws shouldn’t apply to the hosts who use its site to rent out rooms and apartments.

The travel-and-accommodations site is embroiled in a dispute with New York state regulators over a subpoena for information on thousands of “hosts” in the city. The case stems from claims that some hosts have violated a 2010 law that places limits on New York City residents’ ability to rent out their rooms and apartments.