The Airbnb host admitted to concealing the camera
An Airbnb host has been banned from the platform this week after a family discovered a live hidden camera.
The Barkers and their five children were renting a property in Cork.
While checking a smoke alarm Mr. Andrew Barker discovered a camera with a live feed.
Ms Nealie Barker shared a post on Facebook page following the finding.
"We just found a camera hidden in a smoke alarm case in the private living room of a listing. We were travelling with children," she said.
“The host admitted to the concealed camera over the phone, only after presented with our irrefutable proof.”
What did Airbnb say?
A representative for Airbnb initially promised the family an investigation.
However, the host's property was soon back up on the Airbnb website.
According to the Irish Times, it was only after Ms Barker's Facebook post that the website offered the family a refund.
They have since promised an investigation into the host and property.
Speaking to the Irish Times an Airbnb spokesperson said,
“We have permanently removed this bad actor from our platform."
"Our original handling of this incident did not meet the high standards we set for ourselves, and we have apologised to the family and fully refunded their stay.
“The safety and privacy of our community, both online and offline, is our priority. Airbnb policies strictly prohibit hidden cameras in listings and we take reports of any violations extremely seriously.
“There have been more than 500 million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings to date and negative incidents are incredibly rare.”
