DENVER (KDVR) — A viral video on TikTok is getting a lot of attention after a cyber security expert showed viewers how easy it is for Airbnb hosts and hotels to hide surveillance cameras in their property without you, the guest, knowing.
Spy Catchers LLC, a professional technical surveillance countermeasures company, works with people to help track hidden devices, such as surveillance cameras.
According to the business’ owner, Thomas Ham, work has doubled since the pandemic began.
The number of calls he receives from clients here in Colorado has increased also.
Like in the TikTok video, Ham says guests who are staying at an Airbnb or a hotel can easily find any recording devices (if there are any), by shining a light into a hidden camera lens.
Experts, including Ham, say the camera lenses will reflect a blue or red color when hit with a light.
The typical areas you should search for any hidden cameras include devices like an alarm clock, smoke detector or shower head.
Another suggestion from experts is to download the free smart phone app, ‘Fing’.
“The ‘Fing App’ works if you have the WiFi password for the space you’re staying at. It will log on to that network and it will actually give you a listing of all the devices currently listed on that network. It tries its best to give you an idea of what each device is. Whether it’s a cell phone IP, cameras, things of that nature,” said Ham.
Ham offered another tip: when you first enter a rental property, turn off the WiFi and router.
If you get a call from the host letting you know the WiFi has been turned off, that could serve as a good segue to bring up a conversation about whether there are any cameras on the property.
Airbnb has rules in place to protect its guests from any hidden recording devices.
On its 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 in their listings, and we prohibit any security cameras and other recording devices that are in or that observe the interior of certain private spaces (such as bedrooms and bathrooms), regardless of whether they’ve been disclosed. Intentionally concealed recording devices (such as hidden security cameras) are never permitted.
Rules for hosts:
If you’re a host and you have any type of security camera and/or other recording device in or around a listing, even if it’s not turned on or hooked up, we require that you indicate its presence in the Things to know section under Health & safety. We also require you to disclose how guests will be monitored and if an active recording is taking place. If a host discloses the device after booking, Airbnb will allow the guest to cancel the reservation and receive a refund. Host cancellation penalties may apply. Find out how to disclose info about security cameras and recording devices. Different rules apply for listings in mainland China.
Rules for guests:
If you’re a guest, our Standards & Expectations require that you not spy on other people, or otherwise violate others’ privacy. Our policy prohibits the use of a security camera or any other recording device by a guest to monitor a host or any third party present in the listing without the consent of that person. We encourage you to discuss the use of security cameras and other recording devices by using Airbnb’s messaging feature.
Violating this policy may result in your suspension or removal from the Airbnb community. In addition, you should ensure that your use of security cameras and other recording devices is consistent with applicable local laws and regulations.
What’s considered a security camera or a recording device
Any mechanism that can be used to capture or transmit audio, video, or still images is subject to these rules. This includes, but is not limited to, things like Wi-Fi cameras (for example, 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 capabilities.