Airbnb says it’s banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings on its site around the world by the end of next month.
The San Francisco-based online rental platform said it is seeking to simplify its security-camera policy, while prioritising privacy.
“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,” Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, said in a prepared statement on its website.
Airbnb had allowed the use of indoor security cameras in common areas, as long as the locations of the cameras were disclosed on the listings page. Under the new policy, hosts will still be allowed to use doorbell cameras and noise-decibel monitors, which are only allowed in common spaces, as long as the location and presence of the devices are disclosed at booking.
Hosts will also be required to disclose the presence and general location of any outdoor cameras before guests book. These cameras will also be prohibited from monitoring indoor spaces of a listing and are not allowed in certain outdoor areas where there’s a greater expectation of privacy, like an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.
Airbnb expects the policy update to impact a relatively small number of hosts as they say the majority of its listings do not report having indoor security cameras.
The policy change will take effect April 30 to enable hosts to comply.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report last month, Airbnb said its bookings and revenue rose, and the company said demand remains strong.
