Airbnb bans use of indoor security cameras amid privacy concerns | Business and economics

The short-term rental platform says the decision comes as part of efforts to “prioritize the privacy of our community.”

Airbnb has banned the use of indoor security cameras at its properties around the world amid privacy concerns.

The short-term rental platform said Monday that it made the decision as part of its efforts to simplify its policy on security cameras and “prioritize the privacy of our community.”

Airbnb, which is headquartered in San Francisco, has so far allowed surveillance cameras in common areas such as living rooms provided they are disclosed in listings and are clearly visible.

“These changes were made in consultation with our guests, hosts, and privacy experts, and we will continue to solicit feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community,” Juniper Downs, head of community policy and partnerships at Airbnb, said in a statement. statement.

The move comes after years of occasional reports of Airbnb users discovering hidden cameras in their accommodations.

Airbnb said it expected the change to only affect a “smaller subset of listings” because the majority of properties did not report a security camera.

Airbnb said hosts will still be allowed to install doorbell cameras and noise monitors to address issues like unauthorized parties.

But hosts will be required to disclose the presence and general location of outdoor cameras before accepting reservations, according to the company.

Outdoor cameras should also not be used to monitor indoor spaces or installed in outdoor spaces where there are greater expectations of privacy, such as shower areas.

The rental platform said the revised policy will take effect from April 30 to give hosts time to comply with the new rules.