Nine Unsettling Accounts From Individuals Claiming Discovery of Cameras within Their Airbnb Rentals
In a bid to maintain privacy and ensure guests feel safe, Airbnb decided to crack down on the use of hidden cameras in its properties. Stemming from numerous complaints over the years, the company announced a worldwide ban on indoor security cameras, effective from April 30, 2024.
But, as one skims through online reports of creepy experiences during Airbnb stays, it's no surprise that this controversial issue garnered attention. Take, for instance, the story of a traveler from Seattle who discovered a camera during a stay in South Korea, which had 360-degree recording capabilities, audio, and night mode. Or the tale of a host who admitted to having cameras "in every inch" of their house, including the bedrooms. Eek!
Not all instances were as dramatic, but each tale highlights the importance of videotaping someone without their consent. Airbnb has long prohibited hidden cameras, but its policy allowed cameras in public areas like living rooms. However, the company recently stated that it will now ban all indoor cameras at its properties across the globe.
After all, with over 1.5 billion check-ins to date, privacy issues are incredibly rare, according to Airbnb. They claim to thoroughly investigate complaints of policy violations, provide support to the community, and may even suspend or remove users or listings if necessary.
However, a Freedom of Information Act request filed by Gizmodo with the FTC reveals that complaints about cameras in Airbnb properties are more prevalent than one might think. Gizmodo received 111 complaints over a five-year period, ranging from mundane accounts of cameras used to prove rule violations to downright terrifying tales of hidden cameras in places where people expect privacy.
One complaint involves a guest who believes they were being watched during a romantic moment at an Airbnb property, while another alleges a host had cameras everywhere, including bedrooms, and replied, "sue me then" when confronted.
In fact, a bizarre story details a family being watched and complained among themselves, only to receive a text message from the host discussing their private conversation.
It's worth noting that hidden cameras have always been banned at Airbnb, though there have been instances when what seemed like a hidden camera was actually a wall outlet. Nonetheless, the company is taking steps to ensure guest safety and privacy by strictly enforcing its camera policies, as reflected in the recent expansion of rules for outdoor cameras.
In this new era for Airbnb, renters can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their private moments are a little safer. But, as always, it's essential to exercise caution when staying at someone else's property, whether it's an Airbnb or not. After all, safety and privacy should always be top priorities for every traveler.
- By 2024, Airbnb plans to illegally sent a worldwide ban on indoor security cameras at its properties, in a bid to maintain privacy and ensure guests feel safe.
- Reports of illicit cameras in Airbnb properties are more prevalent than one might think, according to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by Gizmodo with the FTC.
- One instance involved a guest who discovered a camera during a stay that had 360-degree recording capabilities, audio, and night mode, while another host admitted to having cameras "in every inch" of their house, including the bedrooms.
- Although hidden cameras have always been banned at Airbnb, in the future, the company aims to ensure guest safety and privacy by strictly enforcing its camera policies.
