A CNN investigation has found that Airbnb has consistently failed to protect its guests, despite knowing that hidden cameras are a persistent concern in the industry.
Thousands of images have already been retrieved from guests by authorities. Hidden cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms show guests during their most private moments – changing clothes, playing with children, and even having sex, according to a CNN analysis of court and police records, as well as interviews with nearly two dozen people who found hidden cameras in short-term rental properties or were informed by police that they had been secretly recorded.
The victims say they live under the shadow of fear that these private moments will become fodder for the Internet.
Airbnb declined CNN’s request for an interview. However, in a written statement, a spokesperson said that complaints about hidden cameras are rare, but when they occur, “we take appropriate and swift action, which may include removing hosts and listings that violate our policy.”
The spokesperson added that “Airbnb’s trust and safety policies lead the short-term rental industry and include background checks for hosts and guests residing in the U.S.”
CNN found that some of the policies promoted by Airbnb come with significant disclaimers.
The company’s website, for example, informs users that they should not rely on its background checks to identify “all prior criminal convictions or sex offender records… or other red flags.”
And even if Airbnb discovers that a host has a criminal background, convictions for “murder, terrorism, rape, or child sexual abuse” are not automatic disqualifiers under the company’s policy.
Source: CNN