Following numerous controversies concerning spy cameras placed in rentals, Airbnb has decided to review its rules and ban all cameras inside accommodation. The end of voyeurism?
This is the fear of many travelers using the Airbnb platform: discovering a video surveillance camera hidden in their accommodation in the middle of their stay. Although this remains quite rare, sordid cases appear from time to time in the news, and it is now recommended, when you arrive at a rental, to go around the owners armed with your smartphone camera in black to identify the infrared diodes – if night vision is supported –, in the form of green or red rays, from the cameras. Especially since there are so-called spy cameras, which take the undetectable form of a pen, alarm clock, charger, external battery, smoke detector, light bulb, etc. are not low-end gadgets! Some models film and record in Full HD and have a microphone, micro SD card, night vision, and even motion detection. State-of-the-art technology for less than 100 euros… (see our article).
Until now, Airbnb allowed hosts to install security cameras in common areas of the home, such as hallways, kitchen or living room. However, they had to mention their presence in their ad and place them so that they were visible. And it is forbidden to place them in bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets! But Airbnb wants to “simplify” the rules and has decided, as it announces in a statement, to simply ban all indoor cameras, whatever they may be. This measure will take effect on April 30.
Cameras in Airbnb rentals: the end of video surveillance
“Our goal with these new rules is to provide the community with greater clarity on what they can expect on Airbnb. These changes were made in consultation with hosts, guests and industry experts. matters of privacy protection”, explains Juniper Downs, the brand’s community and partnerships manager. According to the company, the majority of rental advertisements on its platform do not mention the presence of any cameras. This change in the rules should therefore not “have an impact (only) on a restricted subset of ads”.
Airbnb’s new policy also introduces new rules for outdoor security cameras, and will now require hosts to disclose their usage and location before guests book a listing. They also cannot use exterior cameras to monitor interior spaces, nor in “certain exterior areas where privacy is expected”, such as an outdoor shower or sauna. Likewise, cameras at the entrance doorbell and devices measuring decibels – notably used to check that no party is taking place in the rental, given that this is prohibited – will remain authorized. However, it will also be necessary to indicate their presence and location in the ad.
Any owner not applying these rules from April 30 “will be subject to review and potential sanctions up to and including deletion of the ad or account”, warns Airbnb. While this new policy still cannot control the presence of hidden cameras, it should at least provide relative peace of mind for guests, knowing that rule-abiding hosts can no longer place cameras anywhere in their rentals. It’s already that !