DENVER (KDVR) – A viral video on TikTok gets a lot of attention after a cybersecurity expert showed viewers how easy it is for Airbnb hosts and hotels to hide surveillance cameras on their property without you, the guest, knowing .
Spy Catcher LLC, a professional engineering surveillance company, works with people to find hidden devices like surveillance cameras.
According to business owner Thomas Ham, work has doubled since the pandemic began.
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The number of calls he receives from customers here in Colorado has also increased.
As in the TikTok video, Ham says that guests staying at an Airbnb or a hotel can easily find any recording devices (if any) by shining a light into a hidden camera lens.
Experts, including Ham, say that camera lenses will reflect a blue or red color when struck with a light.
Typical areas where you should look for hidden cameras include devices such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or shower heads.
Another suggestion from experts is to download the free smartphone app “Fing”.
“The ‘Fing App’ works if you have the WiFi password for the room you are in. It logs into that network and actually shows you a list of all the devices currently listed on that network. It tries its best to give you an idea of what each device is. Whether cell phone IP, cameras or the like, ”said Ham.
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Ham gave another tip: When entering a rented apartment for the first time, switch off the WiFi and router.
Getting a call from the host informing you that the wifi has been turned off could serve as a good transition to have a conversation about whether there are cameras on the property.
Airbnb has rules in place to protect its guests from hidden recording devices.
on his website and in its app it lists the following:
Our Standards & expectations Require that all members of the Airbnb community respect each other’s privacy. More specifically, we require hosts to disclose all security cameras and other recording devices on their listings, and we prohibit any security cameras and other recording devices that are in or monitoring certain private spaces (such as bedrooms and bathrooms), whether or not disclosed became. Deliberately hidden recording devices (such as hidden surveillance cameras) are never allowed.
Rules for hosts:
If you are a host and have a security camera and / or other recording device in or around a listing, even if it is not turned on or plugged in, you must see the trivia section below. indicate if it is present Health & Safety. We also require that you disclose how guests are being monitored and whether there is active recording. If a host reveals the device after booking, Airbnb allows the guest to cancel the reservation and receive a refund. Cancellation fees by the host may apply. Find out how to reveal information about security cameras and recording devices. Different rules apply to Offers in mainland China.
Rules for guests:
If you are our guest, ours Standards & expectations Request that you not spy on other people or otherwise violate someone else’s privacy. Our policy prohibits a guest from using a security camera or other recording device to monitor a host or a third party present on the listing without that person’s consent. We recommend discussing the use of security cameras and other recording devices using Airbnb’s messaging facility.
Violation of this policy could result in suspension or removal from the Airbnb community. Additionally, you should ensure that your use of security cameras and other recording devices complies with applicable local laws and regulations.
What counts as a surveillance camera or recording device
Any mechanism that can be used to capture or transmit audio, video, or still images is subject to these rules. These include WiFi cameras (e.g. Nest Cam or Dropcam), nanny cameras, web cameras in computer monitors, baby monitors, mounted or installed surveillance systems, decibel and device monitors, and smart phones with video and / or audio recording functions.
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