[ad_1]
Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras at rental properties listed on its site, citing privacy concerns.
Previously, the platform had allowed cameras in common areas such as hallways and living rooms, as long as they were clearly mentioned in the property listings.
Those will now also be prohibited.
“Our goal was to create new, clear rules that give our community greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, Juniper Downs, said in a statement. “These changes were made in consultation with our guests, hosts and privacy experts, and we will continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community.”
Airbnb said the new rules would likely only affect a “smaller subset” of listings, given that most properties do not have cameras.
The company is also reviewing its rules on outdoor security cameras and other devices such as noise decibel monitors. All of this must now be disclosed in property listings.
Privacy advocacy group Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP) praised the move.
“No one should have to worry about being recorded in a rented location, whether it’s the bedroom, living room, or hallway,” Surveillance Technology Oversight Project executive director Albert Fox Cahn said in a statement. “Getting rid of these cameras is a clear victory for privacy and security, and we know that these recording devices are ripe for abuse.”
Airbnb shares have nearly doubled after hitting a December 2022 low amid still healthy demand, although it has also announced stock purchases that drive the price higher. Although its most recent quarter saw a record 99 million bookings, Airbnb said in a release now seeks to “reinvent” itself in the coming years.
“I think Airbnb can go far beyond travel in the coming years, but I think we’re going to start with our core,” said CEO Brian Chesky. according to the Financial Times. “We’ll start with travel and then in the future we can go beyond travel.”