When you feel wary, a quick check might provide some peace of mind.
By Kari Paul Nov. 3, 2026 2:00 pm EST New Africa/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google DiscoverFor those of us who travel often, staying in a new location carries an unsettling risk: Airbnbs, hotels and other lodgings may have hidden cameras to spy on visitors. Short-term and privately owned rentals are of particular concern. While the full scale of the issue is unknown, a 2024 report from CNN found that Airbnb processed 35,000 support tickets related to "surveillance devices" in the preceding decade. While doorbell and outdoor security cameras have become increasingly common and are permitted under Airbnb rules, any indoor recording devices are banned from properties hosted on the platform.
