2 female friends found a camera in an Airbnb apartment/photo: Tiktok
Have you ever wondered if your Airbnb stay is being recorded on a hidden camera?
So we have good news for you, because you won't have to worry about it in the near future.
Airbnb has announced a new privacy policy that completely prohibits the use of internal cameras.
Previously, the company allowed hosts to have cameras in common areas, but prohibited their use in areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Hosts were supposed to physically disclose any cameras in the rental property, but the new change removes any ambiguity (or problems for most of us who don't read all the necessary requirements).
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2 companies found a camera in an Airbnb apartment/screenshot, Twitter
Restriction also on the use of external cameras
In addition to banning indoor cameras, Airbnb has also restricted the use of outdoor cameras.
Hosts must disclose all exterior cameras on the property, and those cameras cannot face inward or be in areas where there is a "greater expectation of privacy," such as outdoor showers or saunas.
The hosts can indeed use doorbell cameras and a noise meter that measures the decibel level, however the noise meter must be exposed and can only measure the decibel levels, not record or send sounds.
Also, Airbnb hosts can only place noise meters in common spaces.
Any host found to be in violation of this policy risks having their listing or account removed by Airbnb.
If you've planned a vacation in the near future, remember to read your accommodation policies thoroughly so you don't come across any hidden cameras.
The new rules will go into effect on April 30.
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