Airbnb Bans Indoor Security Cameras and Warns Renters against Using Them

Airbnb has faced privacy issues after its hosts installed cameras in their homes. The platform has now banned all cameras in their house to prevent major privacy incidents that could become a PR nightmare for the company.

Although Airbnb has imposed a general ban on the use of indoor cameras, the platform has also revised its policy regarding the use of outdoor surveillance cameras as well. “Along with the ban on indoor cameras, the revised policy also includes more comprehensive rules on the use of outdoor surveillance cameras and other devices, including noise decibel monitors,” the company said in a post.

Airbnb has been forced to act on its use of camera listings after it discovered that some of its hosts were not disclosing details of cameras used in bedrooms and bathrooms, sparking an uproar on social media. “These changes were made in collaboration with our guests, hosts and privacy experts, and we continue to seek feedback to ensure our policies work for our global community,” Airbnb noted, highlighting the said changes and its decision process for these revised ones. Rules.

Although the use of indoor cameras is completely prohibited for Airbnb hosts, the company’s new rules require them to disclose if they have outdoor cameras placed in the premises and inform people who want to book the accommodation.

Airbnb understands that making these changes can take time, especially removing all indoor cameras from their hosts, so the revised policy will go into effect on April 30. Any host who offers their home on Airbnb and violates the new rules after the specified date will also be investigated and could be delisted.

However, Airbnb is aware of the security concerns of its hosts, which is why it allows the use of doorbell cameras to help monitor the security of the premises.