Airbnb announced this week that it is banning the use of all indoor security cameras in its listings worldwide, an update to its current policy that allows the devices to be installed in common areas such as hallways and living rooms.
In a statement Monday, the company said most of the listings on its site do not have indoor security cameras, but that it makes privacy a priority.
In the past, security cameras were allowed in common areas as long as hosts disclosed them to guests prior to booking. They had to be visible, not hidden, and not allowed in sleeping areas or bathrooms. Airbnb said the policy update, which will take effect on April 30, prohibits security cameras anywhere inside properties, even if they are visible.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the company made the change, but the widespread use of interior security cameras has raised privacy concerns in vacation rentals, hotels, public bathrooms, locker rooms and on cruise ships.
Internet headlines and forums have long been filled with reports of unscrupulous vacation rental hosts accused of spying on guests with secret cameras hidden inside clocks, smoke detectors, electrical outlets and other common objects.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, said in the statement that the changes were made in consultation with guests, hosts and privacy experts.
“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that give our community greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” he said. The company is one of the largest players in the short-term rental market, with more than 7 million listings in more than 100,000 cities worldwide.
Airbnb will continue to allow outdoor security cameras, noise decibel monitors and doorbell cameras, he said, because they are an effective way to monitor security and prevent guests from unauthorized parties.
However, hosts must disclose the presence of such cameras and their general location prior to booking guests, and the devices cannot be used to monitor areas where there is an expectation of privacy, such as an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
