Airbnb banned indoor security cameras. Here's why.
Airbnb announced that it's banning indoor security cameras for all listings. As such, if you spot an indoor security camera during an Airbnb stay, the host is breaching the rental platform's new policy.
Previously, Airbnb allowed hosts to place indoor security cameras in common areas, including hallways and living rooms. Plus, hosts had to disclose their presence, clearly and visibly, on the listing page. However, Airbnb rolled out a stricter policy on Monday, prohibiting the usage of indoor security cameras altogether.
Why is Airbnb banning indoor security cameras?
Banning indoor security cameras, regardless of whether they're placed in common areas or not, removes ambiguity and confusion regarding interior surveillance for both renters and hosts.
"Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb," said Juniper Downs, Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships. He added that Airbnb consulted with guests, hosts and privacy experts to make this decision.
On top of an indoor security camera ban, Airbnb is tightening its guidelines on outdoor security cameras and noise decibel monitors, too. These will continue to be permitted, allowing hosts to spot whether renters are sneaking in unauthorized guests. However, hosts must disclose the presence and location of all outdoor cameras in their listings.
AirBnB is requiring the same for decibel monitors. Plus, it should not record nor transmit conversations. And finally, they're only allowed in common spaces.
When will the Airbnb indoor security camera ban go into effect?
Hosts must be in compliance of its indoor security ban by April 30. If hosts do not adhere to the new rules, they risk getting their account removed from the platform.
The majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having an indoor security camera, according to Airbnb, so this update is expected to "impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform."