Airbnb bans indoor security cameras in listings

An online marketplace Airbnb announced on Monday that indoor security cameras would be prohibited in all listings, regardless of location or purpose, in response to privacy concerns.

Previously, hosts were allowed to install such cameras in common areas with disclosure and restrictions.

However, the update aims to address the issue of hidden cameras, which have been reported by guests.

Along with the ban on indoor cameras, Airbnb enacted new rules for outdoor security cameras and noise-decibel monitors.

Before guests book, hosts must disclose the presence and location of outdoor cameras, and they cannot use outdoor cameras to monitor indoor spaces. Furthermore, hosts must disclose the use of noise monitors in public areas.

Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, emphasised the importance of working with guests, hosts, and privacy experts to develop the new policy.

“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, said in the company’s blog post. “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.”

The new policy takes effect on April 30. If a host violates the new rules and a guest reports the presence of a camera, Airbnb will conduct an investigation and may remove the listing or account from the platform.