Airbnb has declared a global prohibition on the utilization of security cameras inside rental accommodations, slated to take effect by the end of the upcoming month.
The company aims to streamline its policies regarding security cameras and uphold the privacy of its guests.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, stated, “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.”
Under the revised policy, security cameras will be disallowed in indoor spaces, including common areas like living rooms and hallways.
The use of outdoor cameras directed towards the interior of properties will also be prohibited.
Notably, surveillance cameras in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms remain strictly prohibited.
The new guidelines still permit the use of doorbell cameras and noise monitors in communal areas, with the condition that hosts disclose their presence on the property’s listing page.
Airbnb aims to strike a balance between hosts’ security concerns, such as unauthorized parties, and guests’ privacy.
This decision follows recent concerns, including a parody Airbnb advertisement on the US comedy show Saturday Night Live, which humorously referenced hidden cameras in toilets.
The platform acknowledges that the majority of its listings do not feature security cameras, indicating that the impact of these changes will primarily affect a smaller subset of properties.
Source-BBC
