Airbnb said this week it would ban 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 Monday, the company said most listings on its site do not have indoor security cameras, but that it was prioritizing privacy.
Previously, security cameras were allowed in common areas as long as hosts disclosed them to guests before booking. They had to be visible, not hidden, and were not allowed into sleeping areas or bathrooms. Airbnb said the policy update, which goes into effect on April 30, prohibits security cameras anywhere inside properties, even if they are visible.
It was not immediately clear why the company made the change, but the widespread use of indoor security cameras has raised privacy concerns in vacation rentals, hotels, public bathrooms, locker rooms and cruise ships.
technology/archive/2019/03/what-happens-when-you-find-cameras-your-airbnb/585007/” title=”” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Headlines and internet forums They have been plagued for a long time reports from unscrupulous vacation rental hosts accused to spy on the guests with secret chambers hidden inside clocks, smoke detectors, plugs 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 greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” he said. The company He is one of the most important players in the short-term rental market, with more than 7 million listings in more than 100,000 cities worldwide.
Airbnb will continue to allow outdoor security cameras, noise decibel monitors and doorbell cameras, it said, because they are an effective way to monitor security and prevent guests from hosting 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 there is an expectation of privacy, such as an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
