The Sharing Economy Fights Back Against Regulators

An anonymous reader writes in with a story about the advocacy group "Peers". The group says their goal is to “mainstream, protect, and grow the sharing economy.” "The growth of the 'sharing economy,' a loosely defined term generally referring to the internet-enabled peer-to-peer exchanges of goods, has brought with it a shift in the way we think about consumption. Its rise has been fast, and loud. What started with a few enterprising individuals willing to let complete strangers sleep in their homes and use their possessions has now developed into a formidable economic force that threatens to upend several different industries. Along the way, it has posed some major legal challenges. The companies that are pushing it forward have continually undermined local ordinances, consumer safeguards, and protectionist regulations alike. As a result, governments around the country are trying to reign them in. That’s where Silicon Valley’s newest advocacy group comes in."

Comments

Reminds me of Food Trucks

[Anonymous Coward]

They pay no rent or utilities and generally park in front of or near busy areas already covered by existing restaurants, adhere to different safety standards. They swoop in, scoop up money and split, leaving existing local businesses struggling in the aftermath.

Some people really jerk off to trendy BS like ride sharing, but I'd rather pay for a cab that has to adhere to safety standards and background checks than get in some weirdo's jalopy.

If you trust humanity you'll end up paying for it, every time.