We have a luxury property in Mexico and installed security cameras and a security system in the common areas and outside many years ago after a break-in. The cameras allow our live in staff to see who is at the outside door before letting them enter the property but would also allow them to see where an intruder is should someone enter the property illegally and/or trip the alarm system. It is totally for the security of the staff, the guests, and the home.
Removing our the cameras inside and specifically identifying where they are outdoors is like inviting thieves into the home. Our security system has alarms but the security firm nor the police will enter a property if they don't know where the possible intruder is located.
We have only used the cameras with respect to guests once when a group held an illegal party and stole items from the house.
Airbnb no doubt has instituted this policy to protect themselves from liability where hosts are using cameras in inappropriate ways and to protect their revenue stream to the extent guests protest security cameras (although one must question what those guests want to do that can't be filmed?).
If this policy continues, no luxury properties will want to list on Airbnb. In addition, no one in a large city will want to rent their rooms, nor will small hotels, etc want to be listed. Hoping Airbnb thinks through the consequences of this overly broad policy.
