Today in DC District Court, Airbnb successfully blocked a proposed class action alleging racial discrimination on the company’s platform. The lawsuit alleged systematic discrimination by Airbnb hosts, enabled by various design choices made by the company.

But after today’s decision, there won’t be a public ruling on the discrimination itself. The proposed class action will be moved into individual arbitration, in accordance with a crucial clause in Airbnb’s Terms of Service. The result is a quick finish to what could have been a long and damaging legal fight for the company.

“Statistical evidence has proven that [Airbnb’s] commercial design disproportionately impacts African American consumers seeking accommodations,” the lawsuit…

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