Airbnb: No more snooping from the hosts thanks to this new rule

In a significant move to prioritize guest privacy and security, Airbnb has announced a full ban on indoor security cameras across all its listings. Here's everything you need to know about it if you use Airbnb when traveling.

Airbnb has announced a ban on indoor security cameras across all its listings. Previously, hosts were allowed to use indoor cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms, as long as they were disclosed and not placed in private spaces like bathrooms or sleeping areas.

In a recent blog post, Airbnb stated that indoor security cameras are now prohibited, regardless of their placement or previous disclosure. The company noted that most listings on its platform do not have indoor cameras and that this update would only affect a small number of listings. This decision comes after reports of guests discovering hidden cameras in their rentals:

"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."

However, it's important to note that the ban may not entirely eliminate the issue of hidden cameras, as it primarily targets hosts who follow the rules.

"Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb. These changes were made in consultation with our guests, Hosts and privacy experts, and we'll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community," said Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, Juniper Downs. 

Additionally, Airbnb is implementing new regulations for outdoor security cameras and noise-decibel monitors. Hosts must now disclose the presence and location of outdoor cameras before guests make bookings. These cameras cannot be used to monitor indoor spaces or be placed in private outdoor areas like enclosed showers or saunas. 

Furthermore, hosts must disclose their use of noise-decibel monitors in common areas of their listings. These monitors help detect unauthorized parties, which have been permanently banned by Airbnb since 2020.

Airbnb's official blog post also states that "To allow Hosts time to come into compliance with these updates, the revised policy takes effect on April 30. After this, reported violations of this policy brought to our attention will be investigated, and action we take can include listing or account removal."