Airbnb tightens security camera rules: Indoor cameras banned, outdoor disclosures required

Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras in all properties listed on its platform, and imposing new rules on outdoor security cameras and other devices, the company said Monday.

Previously, Airbnb allowed indoor security cameras in common areas such as hallways and kitchens, as long as they were clearly visible and disclosed on the listing page before booking. The new rule bans cameras anywhere inside the property, "regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure."

"Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb," Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, said in a statement. "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."

The new policy also imposes new rules on outdoor security cameras, such as doorbell cameras, and devices such as noise decibel monitors. Hosts will be required to disclose "the presence and general location" of outdoor cameras and other devices before guests book the property.

Cameras placed outdoors are prohibited from monitoring areas inside the property, and are not allowed in outdoor areas where there's an "expectation of privacy," such as enclosed outdoor showers or saunas.

Noise decibel monitors, which can help alert hosts to unauthorized parties or other disturbances, must be disclosed prior to booking. They must only be used in common areas, and cannot record or transmit sounds or conversations.

The new policy will take effect on April 30.

Credit: TMX

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Airbnb updates security camera policy for clearer expectations