Airbnb Banning Indoor Security Cameras in Listings

Airbnb Banning Indoor Security Cameras in Listings
Photo: Mario Tama/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Short-term rental platform Airbnb on Monday announced it is banning the use of indoor security cameras in its listings globally, regardless of their location, purpose, or prior disclosure.

  • Currently, Airbnb permits security cameras in common areas if their presence is disclosed in the property's listing.


The Spin

Narrative A

Airbnb is dedicated to listening to its users and providing them with a feeling of security when they rent a property, and also making the rules around privacy and security crystal clear. This will impact a small amount of the listings on the Airbnb site, and, moving forward, the company will continue to adapt in response to user feedback.

Narrative B

It's about time Airbnb changed its troubling policy regarding indoor cameras. Now its policy is more in line with its direct competitors and other companies in the hospitality business. However, Airbnb has a disappointing track record when it comes to enforcing some of its policies, so this change can't be judged until we see how the platform handles complaints about or violations of the new policy.


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