Following increasing reports from guests finding hidden cameras in their Airbnb accommodations, the short-term rental platform has decided to ban all indoor camera in order to simplify its privacy policy and increase resources for guests.
So far, hosts have been allowed to install cameras inside properties, as long as they are in common areas, such as hallways and living rooms, they are disclosed on the listing page before booking, clearly visible and not located in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms.
Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb Head of Community Policy and Partnerships
The update, taking effect on 30 April, should make it clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure. According to Airbnb, the majority of the listings on the platform do not report having a security camera, so the update is expected to impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform.
“These changes were made in consultation with our guests, hosts and privacy experts, and we’ll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community”, said Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, Juniper Downs.
Devices like doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors continue to be permitted on Airbnb, but hosts will be required to disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras before guests book their stay. These cameras will also be prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces of a listing and are not allowed in certain outdoor areas where there’s a greater expectation of privacy, like an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
Hosts are also required to disclose the presence of noise decibel monitors, which assess decibel level only and do not record or transmit sounds or conversations and are only allowed in common spaces of listings.
As of 1 May, hosts who are reported to violate the privacy policy will be investigated and possibly have their listing or account removed from the platform.
