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Since its founding 16 years ago, Airbnb has greatly cemented itself as a powerhouse in the travel world. To date, there are more than seven million listings on the platform, with over five million hosts and 150 million users who've actively rented property from others.

With the travel industry seeing a boom in the aftermath of COVID, it's pretty safe to assume more people will be seeking accommodations as they plan trips. After all, Airbnb is operational throughout the United States and in many other countries across the globe.

Over time, the platform has proven itself as a great fit for not just travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodations, but also for property owners who want to earn extra income from renting out their spaces.

However, hosts will soon need to abide by one new rule to remain in good standing with Airbnb.

No more indoor security cameras

Earlier today, the vacation company announced that as of Tuesday, April 30, hosts will no longer be able to place any cameras within the homes they're renting via the platform. This marks a sharp turn from Airbnb's prior rules that permitted indoor cameras, so long as they were visible to guests, declared in the listings, and not placed within bedrooms or bathrooms.

According to Airbnb, this change doesn't come without much thought and consideration. The company stressed that it consulted various organizations, privacy specialists, and even guests and hosts before changing the indoor security cameras policy.

As for outdoor cameras that show guests entering or leaving the property, hosts will be able to hold onto them. However, Airbnb is mandating that property owners make guests aware of these devices in their listing descriptions.

Saunas, outdoor showers, and other similar spaces designed for privacy, even outdoors, must remain camera-free zones, per Airbnb's rules.

On Monday, the company expressed these policy tweaks will streamline its security camera rules, while also placing privacy first and foremost.

Some hosts may not like Airbnb's policy change

Many hosts place indoor security cameras in their kitchens, living rooms, and hallways for their own protection.

These can be used as evidence if guests raise issues about the property after arriving; in extreme cases where someone trashes a listing (or if other disputes arise), Airbnb hosts with indoor security cameras have footage on their side as they seek recourse.

As such, hosts relying on these devices could react negatively to the policy change. Some may feel uncomfortable with having guests in their home sans indoor security cameras.