AirBnb announced a new policy that will affect stays at each of the more than six million listings across the globe. Through an update on its website, the home rental platform shared that beginning April 30, it would ban the use of all indoor cameras.
Previously, the global vacation rental giant allowed hosts to use interior cameras during stays for security and check-in purposes. Cameras could be placed in “common areas” like living areas or hallways so long as they were totally visible, but were not allowed at all in private areas where people slept, bathed or used the restroom.
Prioritizing Privacy
The message read, “Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally…to continued to prioritize the privacy of our community.”
At the time, one specific stipulation for indoor camera use was that guests had to be informed of the devices and their locations via the listing. The new policy, however; overrules the previous one. According to Airbnb’s website, the change “makes clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure.”
Concerns Over Safety
@brittany..walsh Found a hidden camera in our Airbnb bathroom and for some reason it got deleted so here it is again 🙄
♬ original sound – brittany
In recent years, more instances of “peeping Toms” or people being watched without their knowledge, has become increasingly concerning for travelers. And with indoor security cameras becoming less expensive, they’ve also become more common.
With Airbnb’s ‘no-indoor-cameras’ policy, guests can feel safer and more at ease inside private rentals. The website mentions that instances of indoor cameras in use after the policy takes effect on April 30 will be investigated and responded to.
The new policy also mentions outdoor cameras, which are still permitted at listings. Outdoor security measures, like doorbell cameras and noise monitors can still be used, but must now be disclosed, along with location, on the listing.
Increasing Security
According to the website, cameras in “outdoor areas where there’s a greater expectation of privacy” like a sauna or outdoor shower are no longer permitted. And noise monitors are only permitted, provided the appropriate disclosure, if they do not transmit or record actual sounds or conversations, which would violate guests’ privacy.
Airbnb says the new policy will impact a “small” portion of listings worldwide.
With the new updates, Airbnb guests can expect to feel more comfortable and not worry about things like hosts watching, listening to, or generally invading their privacy during a stay.