Kate Mills 
Mar 12, 2024
Big news for privacy buffs and camera-shy guests. Airbnb's dropping the hammer on indoor security cameras across its worldwide listings. This Monday, the popular accommodation platform declared it's time to streamline its stance on electronic snooping devices, all in the name of safeguarding our personal space.
Circle April 30th on your calendars, folks — that's when the no-spying zone comes into full swing. Remember the days when Airbnb allowed cameras in communal areas like lounges and corridors? Well, no more. They're clamping down on any form of indoor surveillance, and frankly, it's about time. Nobody wants to stumble upon a sneaky camera during their holiday, especially not in the no-go zones like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Now, don't panic if you're one of the rare hosts with security cams listed — this change affects only a handful of properties. But let's be real: the idea of hidden cameras has always been a bit of a grey cloud over Airbnb's shiny rep. Tales of guests uncovering hidden devices in the most private of spaces? Creepy doesn't cut it.
Outdoor gadgets like doorbell cams? They get a pass, but only if hosts give guests a heads-up about them before they hit the "Book" button. And let's be clear — these outdoor cameras better not be peeping Toms into indoor private life. As for noise monitors, they're still in the game for common areas, but hosts need to be upfront about them. These little gadgets are the party poopers, sniffing out unauthorised shindigs which Airbnb gave the red card a while back.
Hosts, listen up: play it sneaky with hidden mics or cameras, and you might just find your listing axed from Airbnb's roster.
