A federal lawsuit contends that the city of Chicago crossed the line into the privacy of people's homes by imposing sweeping regulations governing Airbnb and other home-sharing services. The lawsuit filed by Keep Chicago Livable, a nonprofit formed by current and former Airbnb hosts.
The group says an ordinance negotiated by aides to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and approved by the City Council trampled constitutional rights to freely and anonymously communicate on the internet, use your own property, be guaranteed due process, and be protected against illegal search and seizure.
The group ultimately seeks to overturn the ordinance. While awaiting that ruling, the lawsuit seeks an injunction preventing the city from implementing the ordinance Dec. 17. A spokesman for the city's law department says the Emanuel administration intends to "vigorously defend" the ordinance.
