Traveldiva – In an in-depth investigation conducted by CNN, it was revealed that tens of thousands of consumers reported the presence of hidden cameras in various properties rented through Airbnb. For many victims, What was supposed to be a fun vacation turns into a nightmare after they discover their private activities are being recorded without permission.
One of the most scandalous cases involved a woman who sued Airbnb after she discovered she was being filmed undressing at a property she rented.. Even more surprising, The recordings were found stored on the computer of a sexual predator who had allegedly been spying on guests for years.
As one of the world's largest providers of short-term rentals, Airbnb typically resolves cases like this quickly and quietly. In the last decade, Airbnb has received more than 35.000 report on hidden cameras. An Airbnb representative revealed that one consumer could report this incident more than once, but the exact number of tenants experiencing this problem has never been revealed in detail.
Airbnb actually has a policy that prohibits property owners from installing cameras in guest rooms, and this action is considered illegal in many places. Outdoor security cameras are still permitted, provided that the existence and location of such cameras is disclosed to guests before they book.
However, These regulations don't stop unscrupulous property owners from hiding cameras in various places. With technological developments, Smaller and cheaper cameras continue to appear, making privacy breaches increasingly difficult to detect.
One former Airbnb employee asked not to be named due to a confidentiality agreement with the company, said that the issue of hidden cameras is one of the main concerns of the team that handles guest safety and privacy.
One of the victims, Chloe LeBrument, who was staying at an Airbnb property in London, Ontario, last summer, discovered a hidden camera inside a charger in his bedroom. “I'm sure many people have left the room without realizing they were being recorded,” LeBrument said angrily.
Airbnb declined CNN's request for an interview, but in a written statement, an Airbnb spokesperson said that complaints about hidden cameras are very rare. “However, If it happens, we take quick and precise action, including removing hosts and listings that violate policies,” said the spokesperson.
Furthermore, an Airbnb spokesperson added that Airbnb's trust and safety policies lead the vacation rental industry, includes background checks for US-based hosts and guests.
This scandal shook many people's trust in the Airbnb platform, highlighting the importance of transparency and security for consumers. As the largest accommodation service provider, Airbnb is expected to continue improving their efforts to protect guest privacy and safety.
With the increasing number of reports about hidden cameras, Consumers must be more alert and careful when booking accommodation via any platform. They are advised to check reviews in detail and always be alert for suspicious signs in rental properties. This is a small but important step in ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.
