Airbnb bans cameras installed in accommodations

Airbnb announced this Monday (11): Camera installations will no longer be allowed in the interior areas of accommodation rented through the platform, following several complaints from users who encountered hidden cameras. A. The new rule will come into force from April 30.

Until now, Airbnb allowed surveillance equipment to be installed in common areas of the residence, such as living rooms, hallways and reception areas. Use is permitted as of: the devices were visible and their presence was reported on the ad page. But with the update This will no longer be allowed.

According to the company, the ban applies to “any device that records or transmits video, images, or audio, such as a baby monitor, smart doorbell, or other cameras.” Equipment cannot be on the property or even left off during the stay..

As Airbnb explains, this change aims to increase guests’ privacy. In the event of a complaint regarding the use of internal cameras, the company will review the report and, once the rule goes into effect, If the existence of devices is proven, the public server may remove the ad or ban the account from the platform.

External cameras will be allowed

According to the new application policy, The use of cameras will be permitted in external areas of the property, provided their location is clearly stated.. “There’s a camera in the backyard” and “There’s a camera in the front yard” are some examples of equipment descriptions the company states.

Despite, The presence of recording devices will be restricted in “outdoor areas where users have a high expectation of privacy”As the platform explains. In this case, locations that cannot be monitored, such as a shower cabin outside the accommodation or in a sauna, are included.

Another change Airbnb announced concerns noise monitors, which can control sound levels and durations but without recording them. Hosts can use them to check whether parties are taking place on the premises, which are prohibited from 2022, but will need announcing the presence of these devices in the home.