Airbnb Wins One For Privacy—What To Know About Its Ban On Indoor Security Cameras

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Need to Know from SafeWise
  • Airbnb bans indoor security cameras
  • Hosts have until April 30 to comply
  • Outdoor cameras and noise monitors are still allowed
Apple iPhone 6s plus with Airbnb application on the screen

Image: OhmZ, iStock

In response to confusion and controversy about indoor cameras in Airbnb rentals, the company is banning them altogether. Airbnb has announced a sweeping update to its policy regarding security cameras in listings. Effective April 30, 2024, indoor security cameras will be strictly prohibited across all Airbnb accommodations worldwide.

A shift in Airbnb's stance on indoor cameras

This decision marks a significant shift from Airbnb's previous stance, which allowed indoor security cameras in common areas, provided they were disclosed before booking and not placed in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms. However, the company has now opted for a blanket ban on indoor cameras, emphasizing the paramount importance of guest privacy.

Juniper Downs, Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, underscored the collaborative nature of this policy update, stating, "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."

More guidelines for outdoor cameras and noise monitors

While many Airbnb listings currently don't feature security cameras, the revised policy is expected to impact a smaller subset of accommodations on the platform. In addition to the indoor camera ban, Airbnb has introduced more comprehensive guidelines for outdoor security cameras and other monitoring devices.

Doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors remain permissible, with the caveat that hosts must disclose their presence and general location before guests book. However, these outdoor cameras are strictly prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces or certain outdoor areas where privacy expectations are heightened, such as enclosed showers or saunas.

Hosts have until April 30 to comply

To facilitate compliance with these updates, Airbnb has provided hosts with a grace period until April 30. Following this deadline, reported policy violations will be subject to investigation, with potential consequences including a listing or account removal.

It's worth noting that hotel listings are exempt from the indoor camera ban, allowing for monitoring indoor common spaces such as lobbies, hallways, and restaurants.

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Disclaimer: Portions of this article were assisted by automation technology. All content therein has been augmented, thoroughly edited, and fact-checked by our in-house editorial staff of human safety experts.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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