Airbnb wants you to ensure privacy by spying on your guests

[rslade]

We have all heard stories of slightly creepy Airbnb rentals where guests have found that their activities are being livestreamed.

But while the "official" policy line says "Airbnb policies strictly prohibit hidden cameras in listings and we take reports of any violations extremely seriously," Airbnb is recommending various non-camera spying devices for hosts.

“We want to help you protect your space, maintain the privacy of your guests, and preserve your relationship with neighbors,” the company says on its website. “This means helping you detect issues in real time.”

Bizarre.  And just ever so slightly self-contradictory ...

[Caute_cautim]

@rslade   Your first link failed.   The second link works okay - Should'n't the client explicitly in the written agreement, have the right to know that such surveillance is actually in place and the reason why.

After it is the client's responsibility for reading the agreement carefully, and "opting in" or "out" by deciding not to stay at that facility?

If AirBnB have this policy, I can see plenty of complaints being passed to the Privacy Commissioner, if the client can prove they have no knowledge of such surveillance taking place or being turned on for the purpose of protecting the owners property or investment? 

Regards

Caute_cautim

[denbesten]

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@Caute_cautim wrote:

Shouldn't the client explicitly in the written agreement, have the right to know that such surveillance is actually in place and the reason why.

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Airbnb requires disclosure.  

[Caute_cautim]

@denbesten   In that case, they would immediately be on my embargo list - don't go there or a blacklist immediately.  

I cannot see any use, other than protecting the rights of the owner for the property.

It provides no guarantees that the owner will not then go and sell the information or potentially manipulate the resultant video, which could lead to a compromise of client, which would put them in a serious compromised situation.  This should destroy the Airbnb business, if they carry on like this - if one is a human being who thinks and is rational.

Regards

Caute_cautim