Airbnb has announced a ban on surveillance cameras inside rental properties.
According to the home rental company, the move is set to improve the privacy of rental customers and to streamline the company's policies on security cameras.
In a statement shared by Airbnb, the company clarified that the ban will not affect devices like doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors.
This, however, comes with more stringent regulations than it was before.
"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," Airbnb said in a statement.
"However, Hosts must 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."
In the past, Airbnb has permitted the use of internal security cameras in shared spaces like living rooms and corridors as long as they were made obvious to the renters and mentioned in the property description before reservations were made.
The ban comes after their customers expressed concern on social media over what appear to be concealed cameras in Airbnb accommodations, some of which are located in places where privacy is expected like bathrooms and sleeping areas.
The new policy will take effect on April 30 along with the additional rules regarding outside security cameras at Airbnb properties to allow renters to comply with the policy.
“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,” Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, Juniper Downs told their customers on the new rules.
Airbnb further warned that those hosts who are found violating the new policy will risk losing their accounts on the platform.
The hosts have been advised to be transparent with those renting the property to prevent cases of privacy violation.
