"Scariest moment"

Spied on: Airbnb and its peeping Tom problem

Surveillance cameras and other recording devices have been banned in Airbnb accommodations since April 30 of this year - but there are no controls.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, krone.at-Grafik)

There have been repeated reports of Airbnb users being spied on in the past. Regrettable isolated cases, or so it seemed. However, the problem of voyeuristic landlords is likely to be far greater than previously assumed - and the platform is happy to conceal it.

"Always respect the privacy of your guests" - this is what Airbnb requires of hosts who make their private accommodation available for short-term rentals via the platform. If you read further in the official community guidelines, you will learn that since April 30 of this year, hosts worldwide "may not use surveillance cameras or recording devices to monitor their accommodations" - "even if these devices are turned off".

Hidden cameras "have always been prohibited and will remain so", emphasizes Airbnb. However, many landlords are unlikely to comply. This has now been proven by statements made public by an Airbnb representative, who offered a rare insight into the problem of hidden cameras at a court-ordered hearing.