Big Brother: People are troubled after finding hidden cameras in their Airbnbs

Another Airbnb guest has found hidden cameras in their rental home — this time disguised as motion detectors — raising questions as to what the platform and its customers can do to ensure privacy.

The short-term leasing service defended itself after a viral tweet erupted online last week, showing a ‘motion detector’ found in an Airbnb home that was actually a camera.

With over 20,000 retweets, hundreds of people replied to Jason Scott's tweet. Scott, whose unnamed colleague was the person who actually uncovered the secret IP (internet protocol) camera, included photos of the device.

Airbnb spokesperson Jeff Henry told BuzzFeed News this type of incident was ‘incredibly rare’ and that the company had permanently banned the host from its community. A full refund was also offered to the guest.

‘Cameras are never allowed in bathrooms or bedrooms; any other cameras must be properly disclosed to guests ahead of time,’ Henry said.

This incident is one of several accounts of Airbnb surveillance in recent years. In October, an Indiana couple visiting Florida discovered a hidden camera disguised as a smoke detector in their Airbnb's master bedroom.

Earlier that same year Airbnb was forced to investigate and suspend a Montreal listing after one of the renters discovered a camera in the bedroom of the property.

As part of the company's own policy, Airbnb hosts must fully disclose any security cameras on the listing and get consent where required.

In some cases, people say they have been afraid to come forward after finding hidden cameras in their rented Airbnbs, because they had shared personal information with the host.

Via Buzzfeed.