Why is Airbnb banning the use of indoor security cameras?

Airbnb will no longer let hosts use indoor security cameras.

The home rental platform announced the changes on Monday, with the goal of simplifying its security camera policies and prioritising guest privacy.

“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” head of community policy and partnerships Juniper Downs said in an online post. Downs added that the new policy was created in consultation with guests, hosts and privacy experts, and the company will continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community. Airbnb’s policy changes will take effect on 30th April.

Here’s what’s allowed and what isn’t.

Ban on security cameras inside guest homes

Currently, Airbnb allows 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.

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However, people have complained on social media about finding seemingly hidden cameras in Airbnb lodgings, some of them in areas where privacy is expected.

The Monday update clarifies that indoor security cameras are no longer permitted in any listing, regardless of location, purpose, or prior disclosure.

The updated policy also prohibits the use of outdoor cameras that point inside properties. Airbnb does not allow surveillance cameras to be installed in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors will still be permitted by Airbnb for home security and to detect unauthorised parties, according to the company.

Hosts will be required to disclose the locations of any outdoor security cameras, which can’t monitor areas such as outdoor showers or saunas, Airbnb said in the post.

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The deadline

Hosts who currently have indoor security cameras have until 30 April to remove them.

If any guest reports the presence of an indoor camera after that, Airbnb says it will conduct an investigation and may remove the host’s listing or account.

“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,” Downs said in a statement, as reported by BBC.

The announcement comes just over a week after the US comedy show Saturday Night Live aired a spoof Airbnb commercial featuring a joke about a camera hidden in a toilet. The sketch has been viewed 1.2 million times on YouTube.

With inputs from AFP