Airbnb bans all indoor security cameras
Airbnb said this week it is banning the use of all indoor security cameras in its listings worldwide, an update to its current policy that allows the devices to be installed in common areas such as hallways and living rooms.
In a statement on Monday, the company said most listings on its site do not have indoor security cameras, but that it makes privacy a priority.
Previously, security cameras were allowed in common areas as long as the landlords disclosed them to guests before booking. They had to be visible, not hidden, and not allowed in sleeping areas or bathrooms. Airbnb said the policy update, which takes effect April 30, bans security cameras anywhere on its properties, even if they are visible.
It was not immediately clear why the company made this change, but the widespread use of indoor security cameras has raised concerns about privacy in vacation rentals, hotels, public bathrooms, locker rooms and on cruise ships.
Newspaper headlines And internet forums have been full of them for a long time reports from unscrupulous holiday home owners accused of spying on guests secret cameras hidden in clocks, smoke detectors, electrical outlets and other common objects.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, said in the statement that the changes were made in consultation with guests, hosts and privacy experts.
“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that give our community more clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” she said. Company is one of the biggest players in the short-term rental market, with more than 7 million properties in more than 100,000 cities worldwide.
Airbnb will continue to allow outdoor security cameras, decibel monitors, and doorbell cameras as they are an effective way to monitor security and prevent guests from throwing unauthorized parties.
But hosts will be required to disclose the presence of such cameras and their general location before guests book, and the devices cannot be used to monitor areas where privacy is expected, such as an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.