The UK government is considering proposals that would require second-home owners to apply for planning permission before renting out their properties on short-term platforms such as Airbnb. The plans, which have been backed by Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, have been described by Housing Secretary Michael Gove as a matter of fairness, aimed at combatting the practice of institutions buying up properties in popular tourism spots for permanent Airbnb use. The proposals may also include data sharing between platforms to enable councils to differentiate between full-time rentals and part-time holiday lets. However, Airbnb has argued that a balance is needed between protecting housing and supporting families who rent their homes.