Airbnb Bans Indoor Cameras At All Rental Listings Worldwide
The new policy takes effect on 30 April.
By Sadho Ram — 12 Mar 2024, 02:46 PM
Airbnb has announced a revamp of its security policy to prioritise guest privacy, with the complete ban of indoor security cameras from all listings worldwide effective 30 April
Admidst rising concerns among guests about hidden surveillance, Airbnb's decision to ban indoor cameras from its listings aims to rebuild guest expectations of privacy.
According to a statement, while the company had previously permitted the use of indoor security cameras in common areas such as hallways and living rooms, this policy update clarifies that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose, or prior disclosure.
The vacation rental company noted that the policy change is expected to impact only a smaller subset of listings on its platform, as the majority of listings do not report having a security camera installed.
A hidden camera strategically positioned within a wall socket to face the bed inside the bedroom of an Airbnb accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
Image via The Straits TimesHowever, Airbnb acknowledged the need to maintain a certain level of security
As such, outdoor cameras, such as doorbell cameras, will continue to be permitted, albeit with stricter guidelines.
Hosts must explicitly disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras before guests book. These cameras will also be prohibited from monitoring the indoor spaces of a listing.
Additionally, hosts will not be allowed to install such cameras in outdoor areas where there's a higher expectation of privacy, like an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
Hosts are also required to disclose the presence of noise decibel monitors, which only assess decibel levels and do not record or transmit sounds or conversations. These monitors are only allowed in common spaces of listings.
"Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb. 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 Juniper Downs, Airbnb's head of community policy and partnerships.
In September last year, a couple from China found a camera hidden in the bedroom of their rental home in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah:
