It’s even scarier when you realize that if the host doesn’t frequently rotate the wifi password, or use a hotel login, any guest could plant a hidden camera or other device with a persistent connection.
“Based on the information provided,” she wrote, “we were not able to conclude that there was a violation of our policy.”
This seems to be a favourite of these companies. While orders of magnitude less bad, I’ve reported several deepfake crypto scams on LinkedIn where there is an ad for a politician deepfaked into announcing some investment scam, on a website made up to look like a popular news outlet. There’s no question it’s a scam, but minutes after reporting you get back a “we didn’t find any violation of our policy” reply.
I suspect that “Liviana” is an AI bot and know for a fact that airbnb couldn’t care less about this. A proper justice system would bankrupt them over this.
Although to be fair, why does anyone think letting a random stranger rent you a room is a good idea. I bet people also think the sheets and towels get washed between stays.
If I may be so bold, inconsistent and/or nonexistent enforcement of service policies and terms should be illegal, along with defining terms and policies the service provider knows or should reasonably suspect they cannot appropriately enforce.
I'm thoroughly sick of the template claims and replies with posturings about how much they care, only for these companies to magically never find any issues in slamdunk situations. It's practically industry status quo at this point, like a shadow justice system of the worst kind.
As an Airbnb host I can just as quickly tell you stories of exploitative guests who are chronic abusers of the system, attempting to get refunds by threatening narratives like this that they know have the potential to get sympathy and traction with Airbnb or on social media. In almost all of these cases it ends up being one persons' word vs. another. An accusation is far from proof, but hosts most often stand to lose.
I was in an AirBnB two nights ago in Wisconsin. It was the second floor of a house with the hosts on the second floor. The shower was in an old claw-foot bathtub. Unfortunately, after I got in, the shower rod fell out of the roof and hit me in the head. Then the rest of the shower mechanism collapsed, spewing water onto the floor.
My first reaction was to figure out how to justify what happened. The host came out to see what happened. She was apologetic and wanted to sincerely make amends. First she offered $50 back. Then as I was leaving, she gave me her entire fee. I've been on the road for awhile and she was the most conscientious service persn I've interacted.
Tonight, I'm in a lesser known brand extended stay suites chain. It took 10 minutes for the clerk to make it to the lobby for my check-in. She gave her reason but it was focused on excusing herself rather than making my experience better. Then for the first time ever, I couldn't get the wifi password right, given what she had written. I want back to ask her and she didn't know and had to experiment. Meh.
In general, corporate AirBnb probably sucks. If the host also sucks, good luck. And a high ceiling but also low floor vs. mediocre hotel chains.
Still, I'm staying at the same chain tomorrow night. Airbnb was too expensive...
It's not the 70s, the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
What is some barely-trained beat cop going to do about this? If one even arrives after your call, they'll shrug their shoulders and tell you to call AirBNB.
> We called the police, who took the camera as evidence and encouraged us to leave the property immediately. We also contacted Airbnb and were put in touch with Liviana, a member of the company’s safety team...
Filing a police report might be helpful, but I agree this is likely to be frustrating in many places.
A friend once called the cops because a neighbor was having a psychotic break and trying to break into her apartment. This went on for hours - luckily the door was sturdy.
The cops never showed up. The next morning they called her to ask if she was still OK.
Speaking about Germany here, I have a friend who had a neighbour in a similar situation and two cops showed up and convinced her to come with them into a psychiatric hospital. My friend was very happy with the results.
In america i'd tell the cops i have a gun loaded and am ready and willing to fire if the neighbour breaks through the wall. Cops tend to show up then
> It's not the 70s, the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
Actually, no, literally all of that (except the "It's not the 70s" part, obviously) more of a problem at any point during in the late 20th Century (1960s-1990s. peaking in the 1980s) crime wave than it has been any time since.
The cop will kick it down the line into whatever process gets him out of there and back onto the beat. Said process will then do its best to drop the issue because there's no easy money in it.
> [...] the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
Not a boomer, so I don't have first hand experience, but I think you aptly described large US cities in the 70s. Ever watch Taxi Driver? The boomers are the ones who saw places go from 50s/60s petticoats to exactly what you described.
I'm very much a millennial and there's nothing wrong with trying that. Most cops will at least be able to open a case and make sure you get a case number to reference as well as take the camera into evidence. I'm sure there are several laws forbidding hidden cameras like these, some of them even federal. And calling AirBnB afterwards telling them that you just had the cops collect the camera into evidence and you now need them to figure out the situation is putting a LOT more legal pressure onto them.
It's insane to me as to why people still choose to use AirBnB in 2025. This is not the first such report and this certainly won't be the last. AirBnB is not a government authority - they can AT BEST get the landlord off of the platform AFTER the fact. And most of the times, they don't do that as well as it affects their bottom line. AirBnB is simply a middleman, no better than a real estate agent in a third world that gets all of the benefits of being a broker without the accountability.
I would rather sit infront of a reception talking to a real person than frantically be in the middle of the road trying to call non-existent support hotlines or email them hoping I get a reply AFTER I've blown my accommodation budget on the provider.
I use AirBnB to book whole houses for trips, which are better for families who want to cook. I use it interchangeably with VRBO, which I’ve been using for many years, before AirBnB was founded in fact.
Short-term house rentals are not a new idea. Before VRBO and AirBnB—before websites in general—we would call up the local chamber of commerce where we were going and they would give us the phone numbers for local real estate firms that managed short term rentals. Then we would call them directly and book.
Those types of companies are still around, and often when I book through AirBnB or VRBO, that’s who the “host” is.
Many people use Airbnb because it's cheaper and/or more conveniently located. Unfortunately it's not impossible to have shitty experiences with a hotel either, whether it's hidden cameras or overbooking your room.
However, Airbnb is becoming more expensive in a lot of places so it may work itself out.
I guess it depends on where you’re going but AirBnB surpassed hotel rates for my travels (mostly to major cities) back around 2017 or 2018. I haven’t used it since.
It’s even scarier when you realize that if the host doesn’t frequently rotate the wifi password, or use a hotel login, any guest could plant a hidden camera or other device with a persistent connection.
I suspect that “Liviana” is an AI bot and know for a fact that airbnb couldn’t care less about this. A proper justice system would bankrupt them over this.
Although to be fair, why does anyone think letting a random stranger rent you a room is a good idea. I bet people also think the sheets and towels get washed between stays.
If I may be so bold, inconsistent and/or nonexistent enforcement of service policies and terms should be illegal, along with defining terms and policies the service provider knows or should reasonably suspect they cannot appropriately enforce.
I'm thoroughly sick of the template claims and replies with posturings about how much they care, only for these companies to magically never find any issues in slamdunk situations. It's practically industry status quo at this point, like a shadow justice system of the worst kind.
2024: Airbnb's Hidden Camera Problem (28 points, 9 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40915564
2024: Airbnb is banning indoor security cameras (341 points, 505 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39669167
2019: Airbnb Has a Hidden-Camera Problem (77 points, 56 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24324300
2019: Airbnb and security camera disclosure (680 points, 393 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18919832
guess there's a market selling hidden cameras to air bnb hosts
There's a market in selling fear to people around products & services that aren't favored by a certain faction of NYT's readers.
I lived across the street from a popular Airbnb - it completely destroyed the neighborhood
But hearing that Airbnb allowed a home to stay on the platform after this report is shocking
I've had a full refund because of a non-hidden camera at AirBnB, including a call if I felt unsafe etc.
The home was equipped with some security cam that overviewed the hallway to the bathroom and the entire living room.
I covered the cameras with a basket so there was still audio possible.. I figured if the Airbnb owner would complain I had proof that they watched.
After a month back at home I got a message that I got a full refund (didn't ask for it, just wanted to make them change the listing).
As an Airbnb host I can just as quickly tell you stories of exploitative guests who are chronic abusers of the system, attempting to get refunds by threatening narratives like this that they know have the potential to get sympathy and traction with Airbnb or on social media. In almost all of these cases it ends up being one persons' word vs. another. An accusation is far from proof, but hosts most often stand to lose.
How many cameras do your lodgings have?
I think Airbnb is very host-specific.
I was in an AirBnB two nights ago in Wisconsin. It was the second floor of a house with the hosts on the second floor. The shower was in an old claw-foot bathtub. Unfortunately, after I got in, the shower rod fell out of the roof and hit me in the head. Then the rest of the shower mechanism collapsed, spewing water onto the floor.
My first reaction was to figure out how to justify what happened. The host came out to see what happened. She was apologetic and wanted to sincerely make amends. First she offered $50 back. Then as I was leaving, she gave me her entire fee. I've been on the road for awhile and she was the most conscientious service persn I've interacted.
Tonight, I'm in a lesser known brand extended stay suites chain. It took 10 minutes for the clerk to make it to the lobby for my check-in. She gave her reason but it was focused on excusing herself rather than making my experience better. Then for the first time ever, I couldn't get the wifi password right, given what she had written. I want back to ask her and she didn't know and had to experiment. Meh.
In general, corporate AirBnb probably sucks. If the host also sucks, good luck. And a high ceiling but also low floor vs. mediocre hotel chains.
Still, I'm staying at the same chain tomorrow night. Airbnb was too expensive...
Earlier today:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45543146
Non-paywall:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/travel/airbnb-refund-came...
Why do people go through AirBnB in such situations? I mean that seems like a situation where law enforcement should be involved instead of a company.
AirBnB is far more likely to help
Boomer moment.
It's not the 70s, the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
What is some barely-trained beat cop going to do about this? If one even arrives after your call, they'll shrug their shoulders and tell you to call AirBNB.
In the article, they did call the police:
> We called the police, who took the camera as evidence and encouraged us to leave the property immediately. We also contacted Airbnb and were put in touch with Liviana, a member of the company’s safety team...
Filing a police report might be helpful, but I agree this is likely to be frustrating in many places.
A friend once called the cops because a neighbor was having a psychotic break and trying to break into her apartment. This went on for hours - luckily the door was sturdy.
The cops never showed up. The next morning they called her to ask if she was still OK.
Speaking about Germany here, I have a friend who had a neighbour in a similar situation and two cops showed up and convinced her to come with them into a psychiatric hospital. My friend was very happy with the results.
In america i'd tell the cops i have a gun loaded and am ready and willing to fire if the neighbour breaks through the wall. Cops tend to show up then
Would you actually have a gun loaded and willing to fire? Or would you lie to the cops?
Sadly, i don't get to have a gun in Germany. In the us, depending on the state, absolutely.
> It's not the 70s, the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
Actually, no, literally all of that (except the "It's not the 70s" part, obviously) more of a problem at any point during in the late 20th Century (1960s-1990s. peaking in the 1980s) crime wave than it has been any time since.
Nobody believes this. Multiracialism has been a disaster for White nations.
The cop will kick it down the line into whatever process gets him out of there and back onto the beat. Said process will then do its best to drop the issue because there's no easy money in it.
> [...] the cops can't keep up with robberies and theft, turn a blind eye to drugs and illegal immigrants, and don't even bother with murders and rapes in some places.
Not a boomer, so I don't have first hand experience, but I think you aptly described large US cities in the 70s. Ever watch Taxi Driver? The boomers are the ones who saw places go from 50s/60s petticoats to exactly what you described.
Seems to be a generational thing. Robocop was, what, late 80s?
I'm very much a millennial and there's nothing wrong with trying that. Most cops will at least be able to open a case and make sure you get a case number to reference as well as take the camera into evidence. I'm sure there are several laws forbidding hidden cameras like these, some of them even federal. And calling AirBnB afterwards telling them that you just had the cops collect the camera into evidence and you now need them to figure out the situation is putting a LOT more legal pressure onto them.
Unlock Luxury Airbnb Stays for Just $20 with This Secret Hack!
Host has submitted video of you planting a camera.
It's so surprising that a platform that grew on its ability to dodge and outrun regulation is full of shady suppliers. Who would have thought?
It's insane to me as to why people still choose to use AirBnB in 2025. This is not the first such report and this certainly won't be the last. AirBnB is not a government authority - they can AT BEST get the landlord off of the platform AFTER the fact. And most of the times, they don't do that as well as it affects their bottom line. AirBnB is simply a middleman, no better than a real estate agent in a third world that gets all of the benefits of being a broker without the accountability.
I would rather sit infront of a reception talking to a real person than frantically be in the middle of the road trying to call non-existent support hotlines or email them hoping I get a reply AFTER I've blown my accommodation budget on the provider.
Fuck AirBnb. Book. A. Hotel.
I use AirBnB to book whole houses for trips, which are better for families who want to cook. I use it interchangeably with VRBO, which I’ve been using for many years, before AirBnB was founded in fact.
Short-term house rentals are not a new idea. Before VRBO and AirBnB—before websites in general—we would call up the local chamber of commerce where we were going and they would give us the phone numbers for local real estate firms that managed short term rentals. Then we would call them directly and book.
Those types of companies are still around, and often when I book through AirBnB or VRBO, that’s who the “host” is.
Multi-room hotel suites are scarce and extremely expensive. If you’re traveling with a group, Airbnb is the best-stocked option.
Many people use Airbnb because it's cheaper and/or more conveniently located. Unfortunately it's not impossible to have shitty experiences with a hotel either, whether it's hidden cameras or overbooking your room.
However, Airbnb is becoming more expensive in a lot of places so it may work itself out.
I guess it depends on where you’re going but AirBnB surpassed hotel rates for my travels (mostly to major cities) back around 2017 or 2018. I haven’t used it since.
It really depends on the location and how many people you are travelling with.
No.