Airbnb Prohibits Indoor Surveillance Cameras

Airbnb will enforce a global prohibition of security cameras inside rentals from the end of the following month.

This policy revamp is meant to streamline camera rules and emphasize guest privacy, amid past concerns from users about indoor monitoring.

The company's representative, Juniper Downs, noted the decision follows consultations with stakeholders and affects only a small portion of listings, as most do not feature cameras. Although common area surveillance was previously permitted with proper disclosure, Airbnb will also forbid outdoor cameras that peer inside.

While private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms remain off-limits for cameras, the updated policy does permit doorbell cameras and noise monitors in shared spaces, so long as they are listed. Airbnb aims to balance host security needs with guest privacy.

This update trails a Saturday Night Live parody that mocked hidden cameras in rentals, drawing over 1.2 million YouTube views.