If you've ever felt uneasy about the idea of hidden cameras watching your every move in an Airbnb rental, you're not alone.

For years, many travellers have complained about the creepy feeling of potentially being spied on by their Airbnb hosts.

Well, the short-term rental giant has finally listened to the backlash and taken action.

In a major policy change announced on Monday, Airbnb is now completely banning indoor security cameras in all of its listings worldwide.

That's right—no more worrying about a secret camera in the bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere else inside your holiday rental.

It's a huge win for guest privacy and peace of mind.

Airbnb banned indoor cameras in the bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms of its listings. Credits: YouTube / Saturday Night Live

Previously, Airbnb did allow hosts to have indoor cameras in common areas like living rooms, as long as they clearly disclosed the devices in the listing.

Under the new rules, indoor cameras are strictly prohibited no matter where they are in the home, whether the host discloses them or not.

‘Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,’ Juniper Downs, Airbnb Head of Community Policy and Partnership said.

Downs mentioned that the updated policy resulted from discussions involving guests, hosts, and privacy professionals.

The company stressed that most Airbnb listings presently do not indicate the presence of security cameras, so the policy change is expected to affect only a small portion of hosts.

Hosts have until the end of April to remove any indoor cameras, or they could face serious consequences like having their listing or account removed.

Outdoor cameras like doorbell cams will still be allowed, but hosts must let guests know about them before booking.

The policy update also comes on the heels of a Saturday Night Live skit that poked fun at the issue, imagining a camera hidden in an Airbnb toilet.

Aside from the issue of having indoor cameras in its listings, there were also other complaints that customers raised against Airbnb.

Key Takeaways

• Airbnb announced a global ban on indoor security cameras in listings, following guest backlash.
• The policy update now prohibits security cameras in any indoor area of a listing, regardless of prior disclosure or purpose.
• Hosts on Airbnb have until April 30 to remove any indoor security cameras, after which they may face removal from the platform.
• Outdoor security cameras like doorbell cameras are still allowed, but must be disclosed to guests before booking.

How do you feel about indoor cameras in your Airbnb listings? Do you think they are necessary or the ban is justified? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I can't believe that they ever thought cameras should be allowed. Surely people are entitled to their privacy.
Personally I would not use any property I owned for Airbnb, too many yobos around these days just looking for a party house for the weekend.
I guess if you want to set yourself up as a pseudo motel then that is the risk you take and that does not give you the right to spy on people.

 

[maurice wildish]

Good to hear that they have taken seriously customer complaints, We have travelled the world using ABnB found excellent, but recently have to cancel i trip , due to cancer issues, i was aware there was a no compensation statement in the booking, however offered options, but when i wrote to them and the owner of the residence no reply only the usual forms " did u enjoy your stay with us " etc, very disappointing, the company has got to big, so i now use other sites and find better service.

 

[Inot54]

So how are they proposing to police the new rules. I’d imagine that if an owner has cameras in areas that they aren’t supposed to already they’re not going to bother about new rules when they’re already getting away with breaking the old rules.

 

[Sherza]

I have a friend that has an air bnb , and although they don’t have indoor cameras, I think they should be allowed considering how much is stolen from inside the unit. If there’s no come back then it will be happening more often. Personally,I would never have an air bnb.

 

[Rob44]

It surely depends on the Air BnB place. If it is a room in house occupied by the owner and family, then that family has a right to have security cameras for security purposes in any rooms off-limits to guests. That is the owners' HOME. But no cameras in the Air BnB room; and of course the same for hotels and motels.

If it is a unit/block of units dedicated solely to Air BnB guests for profit of the owner, then no security cameras in any room. Now about corridors in such a place etc? There has been discussion in these columns about the perceived need for security cameras in public places, as per PR China, for "harmony and security".