Airbnb bans surveillance cameras inside rental properties
Airbnb has announced a global prohibition on the deployment of security cameras within its rental accommodations, set to take effect by the end of the upcoming month.
This adjustment to the company’s regulations is designed to streamline its guidelines concerning security cameras and uphold the privacy of guests.
Before this decision, Airbnb users had expressed apprehensions regarding the presence of indoor surveillance cameras.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, stated in a release, “These revisions were implemented following consultations with our guests, hosts, and privacy experts, and we remain committed to soliciting feedback to ensure that our policies serve the needs of our diverse global community.”
“As the majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having a security camera, this update is expected to impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform,” she added.
Airbnb’s current rules allow the use of security cameras in common areas such as living rooms and hallways, as long as the location of the equipment is made clear on the property’s listing.
The updated policy also bans the use of outdoor cameras that point inside properties. Airbnb does not allow surveillance cameras to be placed in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.
The new rules will still allow the use of doorbell cameras and noise monitors in common areas. These devices also have to be disclosed on the property’s listing page.
Airbnb said it seeks to balance the need for hosts to be able to monitor the security of their property and be aware of issues such as unauthorised parties while prioritizing the privacy of guests.
The announcement comes just over a week after US comedy show Saturday Night Live aired a spoof Airbnb advert which included a joke about a camera being hidden in a toilet. The sketch has been watched more than 1.2 million times on YouTube.
