Airbnb bans the use of indoor security cameras

Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally, the short-term rental platform announced Monday.

Previously, Airbnb allowed hosts to have indoor security cameras in common areas as long as the devices were clearly disclosed on the listing page and placed in visible spots in the home. Indoor security cameras, however, were never allowed in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms.

The update announced Monday clarifies that indoor security cameras are now prohibited in any listing, 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 company blog post Monday.

Cameras that are turned off but inside the property will also be banned, as are indoor recording devices. Airbnb's updated policy defines cameras and recording devices as "any device that records or transmits video, images, or audio, such as a baby monitor, doorbell camera, or other camera."

Also starting April 30, Airbnb will require hosts to disclose the presence of noise decibel monitors. Airbnb said it will only allow noise-monitoring devices that "do not record or transmit sounds or conversations" and that these are also "only allowed in common spaces of listings.”

Any violations of the revised policy will be investigated and the listing or account holder could potentially be removed from the platform, according to the home-share company.

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