With security cameras inside Airbnb accommodation having been in the spotlight for some time now, the leading short-term rental platform has announced a ban on their use from the end of April.
Airbnb allowed security cameras to operate in common areas of the accommodation, as long as this was known on the listing page and the cameras were placed in prominent locations. They were, however, prohibited in areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
The notice clarifies that indoor security cameras are now prohibited in every accommodation, regardless of their location, purpose of existence or prior knowledge of them.
“Our goal is to create new, clear rules that will provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” said Juniper Downs, head of community policy and partnerships at Airbnb, in a blog post on the company’s blog.
The company’s new policy was drafted, according to Downs, in consultation with guests, hosts and privacy experts.
The company pointed out that the majority of listings on Airbnb do not mention that they have a security camera, meaning that the company’s new policy affects a small number of listings on the platform.
Properties that have indoor security cameras have until April 30 to remove them. After that date, those who do not comply with the company’s new policy will face having their listing or account deleted from the platform.
In the meantime, the policy on outdoor security cameras, such as intercom cameras, is also being revised and will continue to be allowed, provided that hosts notify guests of their presence and location before they make a reservation.
The ban on the use of indoor security cameras in Airbnb properties resolves an issue over which numerous travellers have expressed frustration.
