Airbnb announced on Monday that it is prohibiting security cameras within guest homes to prioritize privacy.
Previously, the home rental platform permitted the presence of indoor security cameras in common areas like living rooms and hallways as long as they were made evident in the listing and made known to potential renters before the property was reserved.
On social media, however, guests have expressed dissatisfaction over what appear to be covert cameras in Airbnb accommodations—some of which are located in places where privacy is anticipated.
"Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally as part of efforts to simplify our policy on security cameras and other devices and to continue to prioritize the privacy of our community," the San Francisco-based company said in a blog post.
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The new policy and stricter regulations regarding outdoor security cameras at Airbnb properties will take effect on April 30.
As Juniper Downs, head of community policy and partnerships, stated in an online post, "Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb."
According to the company, Airbnb will still allow doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors for home security and to identify unauthorized parties.
According to an Airbnb post, hosts must reveal the locations of any outdoor security cameras. These cameras cannot monitor things like outdoor saunas and showers.
