Smile, you’re on hidden Airbnb TV!

Hidden cameras?  In Airbnb rooms!?  Whoa!

This isn’t a new thing and it’s not only unique to Airbnb.  Undisclosed electronic surveillance is prohibited per Airbnb rules.  It’s also completely verboten in private spaces, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, even if a host does disclose it.

The rules apply to hosts spying on guests as well as guests spying on hosts, be it through nanny cams, cams hidden in smoke alarms, cams tucked into USB power plugs, cams hiding in lightbulbs, cams hanging out in alarm clocks…etc.

Recent stories of breaking Airbnb’s no spying rules include that of the Airbnb host in Florida.  When police seized two smoke detectors with hidden cameras they found footage of Airbnb guests.

How to detect a hidden webcam

For a camera to see you it needs a line of sight, and that means that you can see it.  So visually inspect vents, smoke alarms, clocks and other items for unusual holes or gaps.  You could even look for a lens reflection by turning off the lights and scanning the room with a flashlight.  If you’re feeling flush, you could pick up a gadget for finding cameras (they can get pricey).

What to do if you detect an undisclosed camera

  1)  Take photos of the device for evidence

  2)  Take photos of your accommodation so you can prove that you haven’t trashed the place: some hosts have reportedly made such false accusations.

  3)  Get your clothes on and get out of there

  4)    Report it to police. You want to stop that stream before other people get swept up in it.

  5)  If you’re in an Airbnb rental, report it to Airbnb, along with your evidence, before it happens to another victim.