The short-term rental platform Airbnb has announced a revision of its policy on the use of indoor security cameras at its properties worldwide amid privacy concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, Airbnb said the move to ban the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally is part of efforts to simplify its policy on security cameras and other devices and to continue to “prioritize the privacy of our community”.
“Historically, Airbnb allowed the use of indoor security cameras in common areas of listings, such as hallways and living rooms, as long as they were disclosed on the listing page before booking, clearly visible and were not located in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms. The update to this policy simplifies our approach and makes clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure,” the company said in a statement.
Airbnb had previously allowed security cameras in shared spaces like living rooms, provided they were disclosed in listings and clearly visible.
“Devices like doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors continue to be permitted on Airbnb and can be an effective, privacy-protective way for Hosts to monitor security for their home and get ahead of issues like unauthorized parties. However, Hosts will be required to disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras before guests book. These cameras will also be prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces of a listing and are not allowed in certain outdoor areas where there’s a greater expectation of privacy, like an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna. Hosts are also required to disclose the presence of noise decibel monitors, which assess decibel level only and do not record or transmit sounds or conversations and are only allowed in common spaces of listings,” it added.
The rental platform says, owners or landlords discovered to be breaking the new ban on indoor cameras risk having their listings, and possibly their accounts, removed from the platform.
The new policy change will be implemented starting 30 April 2024, providing some time to ensure compliance with the new policy.
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