The popular online rental platform Airbnb has announced a new worldwide prohibition on the use of security cameras inside rental properties, effective at the end of next month, 30 April. 

“After this, reported violations of this policy brought to our attention will be investigated, and action we take can include listing or account removal,” said the company in a release. 

The move follows concerns voiced by Airbnb users regarding the presence of indoor surveillance cameras in rental accommodations.

Indoor security cameras were previously allowed in common areas such as hallways and living rooms, as long as they were disclosed on the listing page before the booking, were clearly visible and were not located in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms. 

“The update to this policy simplifies our approach and makes clear that security cameras are not allowed inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure,” said Airbnb. 

The updated policy will also extend to the ban of outdoor cameras directed inward, and now expressly prohibits the placement of surveillance cameras in private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Recommended reading

• Airbnb A Popular Host for Cybercrime, New Report Claims
• CEO Behind Fake Airbnb Deal Ran Misleading Crowfunding Campaign
• Swann Smart Security Cameras Could be Hijacked According to Researchers

“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,” said Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s head of community policy and partnerships.

Despite the ban on indoor security cameras, the updated policy permits the use of doorbell cameras and noise monitors in common areas, provided that hosts disclose the presence of such devices on the property’s listing page.

The announcement comes on the heels of a recent incident where the US comedy show Saturday Night Live aired a spoof Airbnb advertisement, including a satirical reference to a camera hidden in a toilet and in a bedroom. The sketch has garnered over 1.3 million views on YouTube, highlighting the ongoing public discourse surrounding privacy and surveillance in rental accommodations.