In a significant policy shift, Airbnb has announced a worldwide ban on indoor security cameras within its listings, marking a departure from its previous stance that allowed hosts to install cameras in common areas, provided they were clearly disclosed on the listing and placed in visible locations. This move comes as an effort to enhance privacy and security for both guests and hosts on the platform.

“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,” Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships, stated on the company’s blog.

Under the new regulations, hosts are obliged to fully disclose the presence and precise location of any outdoor security cameras at the time of booking. Moreover, any indoor security cameras previously installed must be removed by April 30 to comply with the updated policy. Airbnb has made it clear that failure to adhere to these rules could result in severe consequences, including the possibility of account termination.

The updated policy also outlines restrictions on the use of outdoor cameras, prohibiting their deployment in areas where guests would reasonably expect privacy, such as outdoor showers or saunas. However, doorbell cameras remain permissible, with the stipulation that hosts must disclose their presence and general location to potential guests beforehand.

This policy revision comes in response to numerous complaints from travelers about the unsettling presence of indoor security cameras in some Airbnb listings. While company representatives have pointed out that such cases are relatively rare, the overarching goal is to ensure that guests never have to worry about undisclosed surveillance during their stays.

Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, lauded Airbnb’s decision as a “clear win for privacy and safety,” highlighting the potential for misuse of recording devices in rental settings. “No one should have to worry about being recorded in a rental, whether the bedroom, the living room, or a hall,” Fox Cahn said.

This policy change by Airbnb reflects a growing awareness of the importance of privacy and security in the digital age, aiming to foster a more trustworthy and respectful environment for both hosts and guests on the platform.