Spotting sneaky surveillance: How to keep your Airbnb stay camera-free
- Replies 11
As holiday rentals become increasingly popular, so does the risk of privacy invasion.
Recent reports reveal unsettling issues in these properties, raising serious concerns about safety and surveillance.
This disturbing development underscores the need for vigilance and awareness when booking accommodation, as well as the importance of safeguarding personal privacy during vacations.
Imagine settling into your cosy Airbnb, ready to unwind on your well-deserved holiday, only to discover that your privacy could be severely compromised.
It's a scenario that's becoming all too common, with hidden cameras turning holiday retreats into privacy nightmares.
If you ever find a hidden camera in your Airbnb, it's not just a breach of trust—it's a call to action. You should immediately contact the police.
The rise of hidden cameras in private accommodations is a disturbing trend.
These invasive devices are often disguised as mundane household objects—think clock radios, power outlets, or even mirrors.
They're not always easy to spot, and the thought that someone could be recording your most intimate moments without consent is nothing short of horrifying.
Law enforcement agencies have uncovered thousands of images and videos from unscrupulous hosts, capturing guests in various states of undress, showering, or engaging in sexual activities.
The potential for such footage to end up on the internet is a terrifying prospect, leaving victims feeling violated and helpless.
CNN's investigation into Airbnb revealed tens of thousands of customer support tickets related to surveillance devices since 2013.
While Airbnb insists that many of these were harmless, the exact number of serious incidents remains unclear.
Airbnb's guidelines for notifying law enforcement regarding complaints about hidden cameras are also vague.
According to CNN, the company's approach to handling these complaints—often through arbitration and non-disclosure agreements—has kept many of these stories from reaching the public eye.
One particularly egregious case involved an Airbnb ‘superhost’ named A. Jay Alle, who was investigated for voyeurism after a couple discovered a hidden camera pointed at their bed.
The subsequent police raid on his Texas cottage unearthed over 2,000 pictures of more than 30 victims, including children.
In some instances, Alle had recorded footage of his guests engaging in sexual activity. Alle was later charged with 15 counts of invasive visual recording and pleaded guilty to six of them.
In October 2021, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office detectives informed Airbnb that the ‘superhost’ was under investigation.
However, nearly two months later, Alle's listing remained active on the platform.
‘From a law enforcement perspective, if I tell you that I’m investigating, then you should stop hosting that individual on your site until the outcome of my investigation,’ Lt. Butch Matjeka stated.
According to an Airbnb spokesperson’s statement, ‘In 2024, Airbnb adopted a policy banning security cameras inside listings.’
‘Last year, far less than 0.1 per cent of stays globally resulted in any type of safety report to us—let alone a report related to a security camera—and when we do receive an allegation, we take appropriate, swift action, which can include removing hosts and listings that violate the policy.’
‘Airbnb’s trust and safety policies lead the vacation rental industry, and include background checks on US-based hosts and guests,’ they continued.
Given the severity of the issue, Airbnb guests should personally check their accommodations for hidden cameras.
Although locating these devices may seem daunting, certain strategies can simplify the process.
Contrary to popular belief, hidden cameras are often not as advanced as one might think, according to Joe LaSorsa, founder of a security consultancy firm.
‘Most people have a somewhat exaggerated sense of what a bug or video device is. They think it’s like the movies, where it’s extremely small and hidden behind something,’ he explained.
‘That takes a lot of sophistication, a lot of technology and a lot of resources.’
‘The overwhelming majority of stuff out there is going to be commercially available devices. People are going to buy them off Amazon, eBay, Alibaba,’ Mr LaSorsa continued.
The military veteran and counterespionage specialist advised guests to spend at least 30 minutes inspecting the property for hidden cameras.
He noted that a comprehensive search only requires a ‘basic knowledge of camera functions and a cellphone’.
‘You can find 99 per cent of devices with knowledge and awareness,’ Mr LaSorsa said. ‘A cellphone can go a long way.’
To prove his point, the security expert used his cellphone flashlight to expose a hidden camera concealed within an alarm clock.
By shining the light across the clock’s face, Mr LaSorsa spotted a faint glimmer through a tiny hole next to the time display.
‘As I move the light around, it’s glistening at me,’ he explained. ‘And when I hold the light right in front of it, you can see a lens right there.’
In addition to Mr LaSorsa, two other privacy experts made similar recommendations, which involved using smartphone apps to scan for Wi-Fi-connected devices and employing the phone’s infrared detector to identify hidden gadgets.
Here are some practical tips to help you safeguard your privacy:
Shining a flashlight to find reflections of camera lenses
Chris Hauk, a Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, suggested that turning off all lights and using a flashlight can help spot the reflective surfaces of camera lenses.
He also recommended checking for green or red LED lights in the dark, as these can indicate the presence of a hidden camera.
‘One way is to turn off all of the lights in the room and use a flashlight to sweep the area, looking for any reflections of camera lenses,’ Mr Hauk advised.
He noted that camera lenses can appear as blue flashes when observed in the dark.
Using apps to root out hidden devices
Brian Higgins, a Security Expert at Comparitech, suggested that apps like Fing can be useful for detecting cameras connected to Wi-Fi.
These apps scan the network and provide details about all connected devices, which can be an effective initial step in locating hidden cameras.
However, it's important to note that this method won't detect cameras with wired connections or those recording to internal storage.
‘If you want to get technical, you can download a WiFi sniffer to see if anyone else is extracting data from your location,’ Mr Higgins suggested.
‘Look out for strange Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth signals (use your phone to try to connect to devices in the area): these could be signs of recording devices.’
Checking for two-way mirrors
A common hiding spot for cameras is behind mirrors, so it’s also advisable to check for two-way mirrors, according to Mr Hauk.
‘Look behind hanging mirrors for cameras,’ he recommended.
‘If a mirror is bolted to the wall, turn off the lights, hold a flashlight up to the mirror and scan its surface with it. If all you see is your flashlight’s reflection, the mirror is likely a traditional one-way mirror.’
‘However, if you can see into an area behind the mirror, it is likely a two-way mirror, which can allow hidden cameras to record the area,’ Mr Hauk added.
Using your phone’s camera to spot infrared sensors
Cameras often use infrared light to capture images in low-light conditions, and while infrared is invisible to the naked eye, your phone’s camera might be able to detect it.
Depending on your phone model, the front or rear camera could pick up infrared light.
‘To determine if it has that capability, open the camera app and aim a remote control at it (like the one that controls the television that is likely in the Airbnb rental), then press some of the buttons on the remote,’ Mr Hauk explained.
‘If you see a flash of purple or white light, the camera can detect infrared. You should then turn off all the lights in the room, and using the camera app, scan the room for any similar flashes that could be coming from a hidden camera.’
The alarming discovery of hidden cameras in Airbnb properties has raised significant privacy concerns, prompting urgent calls for action and improved safety measures.
As guests become more vigilant about safeguarding their privacy, Airbnb has responded by implementing stricter policies to address these issues.
This crackdown on indoor surveillance aims to enhance the security and trustworthiness of rental properties, ensuring a safer experience for all users.
Read about Airbnb's latest efforts to restrict indoor surveillance for more on how it is tackling these privacy concerns.
Have you ever encountered a hidden camera during your travels? Do you have tips for ensuring privacy in holiday rentals? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Recent reports reveal unsettling issues in these properties, raising serious concerns about safety and surveillance.
This disturbing development underscores the need for vigilance and awareness when booking accommodation, as well as the importance of safeguarding personal privacy during vacations.
Imagine settling into your cosy Airbnb, ready to unwind on your well-deserved holiday, only to discover that your privacy could be severely compromised.
It's a scenario that's becoming all too common, with hidden cameras turning holiday retreats into privacy nightmares.
If you ever find a hidden camera in your Airbnb, it's not just a breach of trust—it's a call to action. You should immediately contact the police.
Airbnb guests have found hidden cameras recording private moments, raising serious privacy and safety concerns. Credit: Shutterstock
The rise of hidden cameras in private accommodations is a disturbing trend.
These invasive devices are often disguised as mundane household objects—think clock radios, power outlets, or even mirrors.
They're not always easy to spot, and the thought that someone could be recording your most intimate moments without consent is nothing short of horrifying.
Law enforcement agencies have uncovered thousands of images and videos from unscrupulous hosts, capturing guests in various states of undress, showering, or engaging in sexual activities.
The potential for such footage to end up on the internet is a terrifying prospect, leaving victims feeling violated and helpless.
CNN's investigation into Airbnb revealed tens of thousands of customer support tickets related to surveillance devices since 2013.
While Airbnb insists that many of these were harmless, the exact number of serious incidents remains unclear.
Airbnb's guidelines for notifying law enforcement regarding complaints about hidden cameras are also vague.
According to CNN, the company's approach to handling these complaints—often through arbitration and non-disclosure agreements—has kept many of these stories from reaching the public eye.
One particularly egregious case involved an Airbnb ‘superhost’ named A. Jay Alle, who was investigated for voyeurism after a couple discovered a hidden camera pointed at their bed.
The subsequent police raid on his Texas cottage unearthed over 2,000 pictures of more than 30 victims, including children.
In some instances, Alle had recorded footage of his guests engaging in sexual activity. Alle was later charged with 15 counts of invasive visual recording and pleaded guilty to six of them.
In October 2021, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office detectives informed Airbnb that the ‘superhost’ was under investigation.
However, nearly two months later, Alle's listing remained active on the platform.
‘From a law enforcement perspective, if I tell you that I’m investigating, then you should stop hosting that individual on your site until the outcome of my investigation,’ Lt. Butch Matjeka stated.
According to an Airbnb spokesperson’s statement, ‘In 2024, Airbnb adopted a policy banning security cameras inside listings.’
‘Last year, far less than 0.1 per cent of stays globally resulted in any type of safety report to us—let alone a report related to a security camera—and when we do receive an allegation, we take appropriate, swift action, which can include removing hosts and listings that violate the policy.’
‘Airbnb’s trust and safety policies lead the vacation rental industry, and include background checks on US-based hosts and guests,’ they continued.
Given the severity of the issue, Airbnb guests should personally check their accommodations for hidden cameras.
Although locating these devices may seem daunting, certain strategies can simplify the process.
Contrary to popular belief, hidden cameras are often not as advanced as one might think, according to Joe LaSorsa, founder of a security consultancy firm.
‘Most people have a somewhat exaggerated sense of what a bug or video device is. They think it’s like the movies, where it’s extremely small and hidden behind something,’ he explained.
‘That takes a lot of sophistication, a lot of technology and a lot of resources.’
‘The overwhelming majority of stuff out there is going to be commercially available devices. People are going to buy them off Amazon, eBay, Alibaba,’ Mr LaSorsa continued.
The military veteran and counterespionage specialist advised guests to spend at least 30 minutes inspecting the property for hidden cameras.
He noted that a comprehensive search only requires a ‘basic knowledge of camera functions and a cellphone’.
‘You can find 99 per cent of devices with knowledge and awareness,’ Mr LaSorsa said. ‘A cellphone can go a long way.’
To prove his point, the security expert used his cellphone flashlight to expose a hidden camera concealed within an alarm clock.
By shining the light across the clock’s face, Mr LaSorsa spotted a faint glimmer through a tiny hole next to the time display.
‘As I move the light around, it’s glistening at me,’ he explained. ‘And when I hold the light right in front of it, you can see a lens right there.’
In addition to Mr LaSorsa, two other privacy experts made similar recommendations, which involved using smartphone apps to scan for Wi-Fi-connected devices and employing the phone’s infrared detector to identify hidden gadgets.
Here are some practical tips to help you safeguard your privacy:
Shining a flashlight to find reflections of camera lenses
Chris Hauk, a Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, suggested that turning off all lights and using a flashlight can help spot the reflective surfaces of camera lenses.
He also recommended checking for green or red LED lights in the dark, as these can indicate the presence of a hidden camera.
‘One way is to turn off all of the lights in the room and use a flashlight to sweep the area, looking for any reflections of camera lenses,’ Mr Hauk advised.
He noted that camera lenses can appear as blue flashes when observed in the dark.
Using apps to root out hidden devices
Brian Higgins, a Security Expert at Comparitech, suggested that apps like Fing can be useful for detecting cameras connected to Wi-Fi.
These apps scan the network and provide details about all connected devices, which can be an effective initial step in locating hidden cameras.
However, it's important to note that this method won't detect cameras with wired connections or those recording to internal storage.
‘If you want to get technical, you can download a WiFi sniffer to see if anyone else is extracting data from your location,’ Mr Higgins suggested.
‘Look out for strange Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth signals (use your phone to try to connect to devices in the area): these could be signs of recording devices.’
Checking for two-way mirrors
A common hiding spot for cameras is behind mirrors, so it’s also advisable to check for two-way mirrors, according to Mr Hauk.
‘Look behind hanging mirrors for cameras,’ he recommended.
‘If a mirror is bolted to the wall, turn off the lights, hold a flashlight up to the mirror and scan its surface with it. If all you see is your flashlight’s reflection, the mirror is likely a traditional one-way mirror.’
‘However, if you can see into an area behind the mirror, it is likely a two-way mirror, which can allow hidden cameras to record the area,’ Mr Hauk added.
Using your phone’s camera to spot infrared sensors
Cameras often use infrared light to capture images in low-light conditions, and while infrared is invisible to the naked eye, your phone’s camera might be able to detect it.
Depending on your phone model, the front or rear camera could pick up infrared light.
‘To determine if it has that capability, open the camera app and aim a remote control at it (like the one that controls the television that is likely in the Airbnb rental), then press some of the buttons on the remote,’ Mr Hauk explained.
‘If you see a flash of purple or white light, the camera can detect infrared. You should then turn off all the lights in the room, and using the camera app, scan the room for any similar flashes that could be coming from a hidden camera.’
The alarming discovery of hidden cameras in Airbnb properties has raised significant privacy concerns, prompting urgent calls for action and improved safety measures.
As guests become more vigilant about safeguarding their privacy, Airbnb has responded by implementing stricter policies to address these issues.
This crackdown on indoor surveillance aims to enhance the security and trustworthiness of rental properties, ensuring a safer experience for all users.
Read about Airbnb's latest efforts to restrict indoor surveillance for more on how it is tackling these privacy concerns.
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