Airbnb continues its redemption tour today with the announcement that it is banning all indoor security cameras at Airbnb properties as of April 30, 2024. As an added kick, the news also offered more detailed guidance on outdoor cameras.
Today’s Change in policy There was a simple, literal ban on cameras anywhere that was described as indoor—full stop. Outside, cameras are not allowed in “certain outdoor areas where there is a high expectation of privacy, such as an enclosed outdoor shower or sauna.” I suspect the blurring of definitions will continue to be an issue here, as most guests, such as myself, expect privacy anytime and anywhere I’ve paid for the privilege, including backyards and patios. Video doorbells and noise monitors still seem to have the green light.
While Airbnb continues to generate revenue. to climb (A 16 percent increase from 2022 to 2023 continues a long trend) took a to kill Over the past year or two customers have grown weary of exorbitant fees, long to-do lists at checkout, over-promised internal affairs, security issues, and terrible hosts. To get some positive PR, last year Airbnb introduced more Transparent pricing And there is some success in ending it. Cleaning fee. Today’s news on security cameras is consistent with previous efforts to directly address guest concerns. While each of these policy changes moves the needle a bit, it will take a few quarters before we know whether the moves help Airbnb’s image overall or hurt revenue.
For some time, Airbnb has been lax about allowing cameras outside where hosts want them, and indoors, as long as they stay in common areas. Hosts were required to disclose the existence and locations of cameras, but with little enforcement from Airbnb, review sites were flooded with reports of unknown cameras. For the host, these measures, which can include smart home noise monitors like Mint and Nest, can help ensure that guests don’t disturb the property by stealing or engaging in parties or other disruptive behavior. Respecting the neighbors. For guests, it’s an invasion of privacy. This doesn’t even take into account the privacy issues of these smart cameras being hacked and then viewed by people other than the host, a problem that seems to happen again and again.
While Airbnb claims that only a fraction of hosts use indoor cameras, I suspect that’s just the number of them. Reported The actual use of the camera can be very high. Today’s policy clarification, if addressed, will create a more guest-friendly environment — but only if it’s enforced. “Reported violations of this policy brought to our attention will be investigated, and action we take may include listing or account removal,” Airbnb said.
Credit : lifehacker.com
