Following the Metro recently highlighting the issue of undisclosed cameras being used by a small number of Airbnb hosts, we take a look at what the rules say, reports in the news of this happening, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Do Airbnb Hosts Have The Right To Film Guests? 

You may be surprised to know that the answer to this question is yes, hosts do have the right to install surveillance devices in certain areas of their properties (which may result in guests being filmed) but this is heavily regulated and restricted for privacy reasons.

When/Where/Why/How Is It OK For Hosts To Film Guests? 

The primary legitimate reason for hosts to install surveillance devices is for security purposes. They are not allowed to use them for any invasive or unethical purposes. Airbnb’s community standards, for example, emphasise respect for the privacy of guests and any violation of these standards can lead to the removal of the host from the platform.

Clear Disclosure 

Airbnb’s company rules say that monitoring devices (e.g. cameras), may be used, but only if they are in common spaces (such as living rooms, hallways, and kitchens) and then only if Airbnb hosts disclose them in their listings. In short, if a host has any kind of surveillance device, they must clearly mention it in their house rules or property listing so that guests are made aware of these devices before they book the property.

What About Local Laws? 

It is also the case that although disclosed cameras in common spaces on a property may be OK by the company’s rules, Airbnb hosts must also adhere to local laws and regulations regarding surveillance. This can vary widely from place to place and, in some regions, recording audio without consent is illegal, whereas video might be permissible if disclosed.

Hidden Cameras 

Even though Airbnb rules are relatively clear, there appears to be anecdotal and news evidence that some Airbnb guests have discovered undisclosed surveillance devices in areas of Airbnb properties where they should not be installed. Examples that have made the news include:

– Back in 2019, it was reported that a couple staying for one night at an Airbnb property in Garden Grove, California discovered a camera hidden in a smoke detector directly above the bed.

– In July 2023, a Texas couple were widely reported to have filed a lawsuit against an Airbnb owner, claiming he had put up ‘hidden cameras’ in the Maryland property they had rented for 2 nights in August 2022. According to the Court documents of Kayelee Gates and Christian Capraro, the couple became suspicious after Capraro discovered multiple hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors in the bedroom and bathroom.

– Last month, a man (calling himself Ian Timbrell) alleged in a post on X that he had found a camera tucked between two sofa cushions at his Aberystwyth Airbnb.

Wouldn’t It Be Better To Disallow Any Cameras Inside An Airbnb Rental Property? 

Banning all cameras at Airbnb rental properties might initially seem like a straightforward solution to privacy concerns, yet there are important factors to consider around this. Some hosts may legitimately need to use common areas such as entrances, for security purposes (perhaps the property is in an area where crime has been a problem) and they need to deter theft and vandalism and provide evidence if a crime occurs. On the other hand, a complete ban on cameras would address the privacy concerns of guests, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure during their stay.

Airbnb’s current policy attempts to balance security and privacy by allowing cameras in certain areas while requiring full disclosure and banning them in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. However, enforcing a complete ban on cameras would be very challenging, as hidden cameras are, by nature, difficult to detect and even if there was a ban, some owners may simply not comply. The Airbnb model is built on trust between hosts and guests, and clear communication and transparency about security measures, including camera usage, are crucial for maintaining this trust. While a total ban on cameras might seem like a simple solution to privacy concerns, it overlooks the legitimate security needs of hosts. A balanced approach with clear guidelines and strict enforcement might be more effective in protecting both guest privacy and host security.

How To Check 

If you’re worried about possibly being filmed/recorded by hidden and undisclosed surveillance devices in a rented Airbnb property, here are some ways you can search the property and potentially reveal such devices:

– Inspect any gadgets. Check smoke detectors or alarm clocks as they are known as places to hide cameras. Examine any other tech that seems out of place. You may also want to check the shower head.

– Search for Lenses. For example, making sure the room is dark, use a torch (such as your phone’s torch) to spot reflective camera lenses in objects like decor or appliances.

– Use phone apps like Glint Finder for Android or Hidden Camera Detector for iOS to find hidden cameras.

– Check storage areas, e.g. examine drawers, vents, and any openings in walls/ceilings.

– Check mirrors. Many people worry about the two-way mirrors with cameras behind them. Ways to check include lifting any mirrors to see the wall behind, turning off the room light and then shining a torch into the mirror to see if an area behind is visible.

– Check for infrared lights (which can be used in movement-sensitive cameras). Again, this may be spotted by by using your phone’s camera in the dark, and then looking out for any small, purple, or pink lights that may be flashing or steady.

– Scan the property’s Wi-Fi network and smart home devices for unknown devices.

– Unplug the Airbnb property’s router. Stopping the Wi-Fi at source should disable surveillance devices and may reveal whether the owner is monitoring the property, e.g. it may prompt the host to ask about the router being unplugged.

– If you’re particularly concerned, buy and bring an RF signal detector with you. Widely available online, this is a device that can find any devices emitting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals, e.g. wireless surveillance cameras, tracking devices and power supplies.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The issue of undisclosed cameras in Airbnb properties raises important considerations for Airbnb as a company, its hosts, and travellers. For Airbnb, the challenge lies in upholding and enforcing privacy standards to maintain user trust. This could involve enhancing their policies, perhaps even investing in technology or an inspection process for better detection of undisclosed devices, and/or providing more reassuring information about the issue, thereby safeguarding guest security, ensuring host accountability, and helping to protect their brand reputation.

It should be said that most Airbnb hosts abide by the company’s rules but are caught in a delicate balancing act between providing security and respecting the privacy of their guests. Any misuse of surveillance devices can, of course, have serious legal consequences and potentially harm a host’s reputation and standing on the platform. However, even just a few stories in the news about the actions on one or two hosts can have a much wider negative effect on consumer trust in Airbnb and can be damaging for all hosts. It could even simply deter people from using the platform altogether.

For some travellers, this situation may make them feel they must proactively take the responsibility for their own privacy (which may not reflect so well on Airbnb). They may feel as though they need to be informed about their rights, familiarise themselves with detection methods and remain vigilant during their stays.

This whole scenario emphasises the need for a continuous update of policies and practices by Airbnb to keep pace with technological advancements and the varying legal frameworks in different regions. It also highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency between the company, its hosts, and guests to maintain a trustworthy and secure environment.

An issue with Google’s cloud that locked some Google Drive for desktop users out of some of their files from the last six months has led to some angry comments being left on Google’s community support site.

Reported Over A Week Ago 

The issue was first reported by a user (known as ‘Yeonjoong) back on 22 November. The user describes the issue (on the Google Drive Help page) as:

“The Drive literally went back to condition in May 2023. Data from May until today disappeared, and the folder structure went back to status in May. Google Drive activity doesn’t show any changes (only show activity that was in May). No files were deleted manually, so no files in Trash. I never sync or shared my files and drive to anyone, I used the drive locally.“ 

Still Investigating

At the time of writing this article, Google says it is still investigating the issue. Also, the user who first reported it claims that none of the fixes suggested by Google so far have worked.

What Are Other Users Saying? 

Posts from other affected users have highlighted issues such as:

– Losing access to important files from recent months.

– Questioning the dependability of the Drive Service.

– Asking for a full explanation of what had happened and to be informed about when their data will appear back.

– Fears that important data may have been altered or permanently lost, e.g. by clicking on the disconnect button (which users have now been informed not to do, but some claim were told to do originally).

– Reports of stress and worry, with some users threatening legal action.

What Does Google Advise? 

At present, Google’s advice to affected Drive for desktop users in relation to what Google is calling the “Drive for desktop (v84.0.0.0 – 84.0.4.0) Sync Issue” is:

– Not to click “Disconnect account” within Drive for desktop.

– Not to delete or move the app data folder: Windows: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS or macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS.

– (Optional) If users have room on your hard drive, to make a copy of the app data folder.

Google Cloud Vulnerabilities 

This latest story comes hot on the heels of Bitdefender researchers reporting recently that they’d discovered vulnerabilities in Google Workspace and Google Cloud Platform which, after first compromising the local machine, could allow threat actors to extend their activities to a “chain reaction” network-wide breach, potentially leading to ransomware attacks or data exfiltration.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The main concern for businesses directly impacted by this issue revolves around data integrity and reliability. Losing access to recent files can disrupt ongoing projects, delay deadlines, potentially lead to financial losses, and make users very angry and frustrated (as the comments on Google’s help page show). This incident highlights the importance of having a robust backup strategy that doesn’t rely solely on cloud services. Those businesses who have been directly affected or those who may have been spooked by this story may now want to reassess their data management policies, considering additional local or multi-cloud backups for critical data.

For the wider base of Google Cloud users, this incident could be seen as a kind of cautionary tale that underscores the need for vigilance in cloud data management, and the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with cloud storage solutions. Really (time and resources permitting) users should try to stay informed about best practices for data safety and be proactive in implementing them. This could include regular audits of data access, backup strategies, and staying updated on service updates and potential vulnerabilities. That said, it seems fair for most businesses who are paying Google for aspects of its cloud service to at least expect to be able to access their files when they need them and if there is there is a problem, expect Google to sort it out quite quickly (not a week or so later). Also, many users may have been even more frustrated by a possible lack of communication on Google’s side about the issue, e.g. at least an estimate of when they could expect it to be fixed and regular updates on the situation.

For Google, this lockout issue could obviously be damaging to its reputation as a reliable cloud service provider. In the competitive cloud market, reliability and trust are paramount. Google will need to not only address the current issue swiftly and transparently but also take proactive steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This could involve investing more in their infrastructure, enhancing their communication protocols during crises, and possibly reviewing their update and deployment strategies to ensure minimal disruption to users. The way Google handles this situation (which many affected users haven’t been too impressed with so far) could have lasting effects on its market position and user trust.

Although this issue has posed some challenges to affected businesses, it could also be seen on reflection as providing valuable lessons for all stakeholders in the cloud services arena. Lessons include understanding more fully what their customers value the most and making more of a commitment to matters of reliability, transparency, and communication.

Analysis by the Department for Education’s Unit for Future Skills to try and quantify the impact of AI on the UK jobs market found the finance and insurance sector was more exposed than any other.

The Analysis 

“The impact of AI on UK jobs and training” report published online by the government highlights the results of a study that used US methodology to look at the abilities needed to perform different job roles, and the extent to which these can be aided by a selection of 10 common AI applications.

These applications are:

1. Abstract Strategy Games: The ability to play abstract games involving sometimes complex strategy and reasoning ability, such as chess, go, or checkers, at a high level.
2. Real-time Video Games: The ability to play a variety of real-time video games of increasing complexity at a high level.
3. Image Recognition: The determination of what objects are present in a still image.
4. Visual Question Answering: The recognition of events, relationships, and context from a still image.
5. Image Generation: The creation of complex images.
6. Reading Comprehension: The ability to answer simple reasoning questions based on an understanding of text.
7. Language Modelling: The ability to model, predict, or mimic human language.
8. Translation: The translation of words or text from one language into another.
9. Speech Recognition: The recognition of spoken language into text.
10. Instrumental Track Recognition: The recognition of instrumental musical tracks.

These AI applications were selected based on their relevance and the progress in technology from 2010 onwards, as recorded by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). They represent fundamental applications of AI that are likely to have implications for the workforce and cover the most likely and most common uses of AI.

The study also focuses on which occupations, sectors and areas within the UK labour market are expected to be most impacted by AI and large language models, and how this could impact workers in different UK geographic areas.

The Findings 

The key findings of the study show that:

– Professional occupations are more exposed to AI, especially those associated with more clerical work and across finance, law, and business management roles.

– The industries least exposed to AI and to LLMs across industries are accommodation and food services, motor trades, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, transport and storage and construction.

– The finance and insurance sector is more exposed to AI than any other sector.

– The occupations most exposed to all AI applications are management consultants and business analysts.

– The occupations most exposed to large language modelling are telephone salespersons, followed by solicitors and psychologists.

– Workers in London and the South East have the highest exposure to AI (five times as exposed as the North-East of England), reflecting the greater concentration of professional occupations in those areas.

These findings led to some press reports that AI’s incursion into our working lives would most affect ‘city highflyers.’

Qualifications and Training

The study also exposes the qualifications and training routes that most commonly lead to these highly impacted jobs, concluding that:

– Employees with more advanced qualifications are typically in jobs more exposed to AI, e.g. those with a level 6 qualification (equivalent to a degree).

– Employees with qualifications in accounting and finance through Further Education or apprenticeships, and economics and mathematics through Higher Education are typically in jobs more exposed to AI.

Other Studies 

Other studies highlighting levels of exposure to AI (AI taking jobs) include:

– A Pew Research Centre Study (2022) which found that 19 per cent of US workers were in jobs highly exposed to AI, where key activities might be replaced or assisted by AI.

– A Goldman Sachs Report (2023) suggesting that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs globally. It indicates that about a quarter of work tasks in the US and Europe could be replaced by AI, impacting two-thirds of jobs in these regions to some degree.

IMF  

A recent (October 2023) paper also highlights the dual nature of AI in advanced economies – AI’s potential as either a complement or a substitute for labour. The paper also highlights the important point that women and highly educated workers face greater occupational exposure to AI.

It’s worth noting that the Goldman Sachs Report (shown above) also highlighted this dual effect of AI, showing that AI also has the potential to create new jobs and boost productivity, potentially increasing the total annual value of goods and services produced globally by 7 per cent.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

As highlighted in the report for this study (and as supported by the findings of other studies), 10-30 per cent of jobs are automatable with fast-evolving AI putting many of those jobs at risk. This government study confirms largely what many people may have expected – that those in more clerical work and across finance, law, and business management roles (where generative AI’s outputs are particularly effective) are most at risk from AI diminishing their value as workers. There are, of course, many other areas (some highlighted by this report) where generative AI is clearly able to replace or reproduce/copy human efforts to an acceptable degree, e.g. from customer service roles to creative work (artists). Some people may find that it’s disconcerting that jobs/professions which have taken years of study and have a specialist element and high social value (e.g. solicitors and psychologists) are shown in the report to be suddenly and significantly at risk from what are, basically, algorithms.

The report’s findings also makes what seems to be quite a logical conclusion that since there’s a greater concentration of professional occupations in London and the South East, it’s more likely to be negatively affected by AI.

The report of the study also makes the valid point about the dual nature of AI’s effects, i.e., that in addition to threatening many jobs, AI also has the potential to increase productivity and create new high value jobs in the UK economy. However, the main focus of this and other studies may appear to confirm the fears of many, that fast-advancing AI is likely to have a profound and widespread effect on the UK economy and society, and not necessarily in a good way for many peoples’ jobs, skills, and value.

As highlighted in the report, the UK education system and employers will now need to adapt to ensure that individuals in the workforce have the skills they need to make the most of the potential benefits advances in AI will bring. As individual workers, many may now want to look at the ways they can maximise their value and be in a position where they can use and orchestrate what are essentially tools more effectively than others, and in a way that adds value to themselves and their own positions, and/or in a way that creates new opportunities.

It’s been reported that iOS 17’s new NameDrop feature has prompted the Police to issue warnings to parents on social media (in the US) about its potential to be abused, possibly posing a risk to their children.

NameDrop, introduced with iOS 17.1 in November allows those with iPhones and Apple Watches running watchOS 10.1 to share their contact information, (plus photos and more with AirDrop) simply by holding their phones close together (within a few millimetres).

Police in several US states have issued warnings that this feature could, therefore, enable predators to use NameDrop to steal personal contact information from unsuspecting teens just by placing their phone next to the teen’s phone.

The Police also highlighted the fact that for protection, the feature can be turned off by going to settings, selecting AirDrop, selecting “Bringing Devices Together,” and then moving the toggle to off. There is also a ‘Contacts Ony’ option which means that only someone on the iPhone’s contact list can connect through AirDrop and NameDrop.

Researchers from cyber security firm Hunters have reported finding a Google Workspace design flaw that could allow attackers to steal emails from Gmail, data from Google Drive, and carry out other unauthorised actions within Google Workspace APIs on all of the identities in a target domain.

The design flaw (a fact reportedly disputed by Google), dubbed ‘DeleFriend,’ can be exploited by a process that involves attackers being able to leverage an existing domain-wide delegation permission to create their own fresh private key to perform API calls to Google Workspace on behalf of other identities in the domain.

It’s been reported that the Workspace domain-wide delegation feature’s potential “security risk” has been known to Google since June. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 suggest that a way to mitigate the risk is to position service accounts with domain delegation permissions within a higher-level folder in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) hierarchy.

Researchers at North Carolina State University in the US have developed a new dynamic window material that can tune out certain wavelengths of light and block heat to suit the conditions.

Three Modes Now Possible 

The Dynamic window glass can be used to switch windows between three modes: transparent, or “normal” windows, windows that block infrared light (helping to keep a building cool), and tinted windows that control glare while maintaining the view. This three-mode option is a step forward from existing dynamic windows based on electrochromism (using an electric stimulus to change opacity) which can only switch between clear or dark modes.

Water Is The Key

The researchers report that it’s the binding of water within the crystalline structure of tungsten oxide (forming tungsten oxide hydrate) that allows the window material to exhibit a previously unknown behaviour whereby it can be tuned to three modes.

How Does It Work? 

To summarise how and why it works:

Transparent tungsten oxides have long been used in dynamic windows by using an electrical signal and injecting lithium ions and electrons into the material to make it dark and block light.

The new research, however, showed that adding water to the crystalline structure of tungsten oxide hydrate (a substance related to tungsten oxide that can accommodate more lithium ions) makes its structure less dense. This makes it more resistant to deformation when lithium ions and electrons are injected into it, thereby enabling it to have two modes. The first is a “heat blocking” mode (the cool mode), allowing visible wavelengths of light to pass through, but blocking infrared light. The second, (which happens after more lithium ions and electrons are injected), is a dark mode, which blocks out both visible and infrared wavelengths of light.

Delia Milliron, co-corresponding author of the paper about the research said: “The discovery of dual-band (infrared and visible) light control in a single material that’s already well-known to the smart windows community may accelerate development of commercial products with enhanced features”. She also highlighted the potential wider implications of the discovery, saying: “The unforeseen role of structural water in producing distinctive electrochemical properties may inspire the research community beyond smart window developers, leading to innovation in energy storage and conversion materials.”

Why Have Dynamic / Smart Windows Anyway? 

Dynamic windows, or smart windows, offer several benefits. For example:

– Energy efficiency. They reduce energy consumption by controlling heat and light entry, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.

– Comfort and productivity. By managing glare and natural light, they create a more comfortable environment, enhancing productivity in workplaces and schools.

– UV protection. These windows block harmful UV rays, protecting interiors and occupants from sun damage.

– Privacy and security. Their adjustable opacity offers privacy and added security without the need for blinds or curtains.

– Aesthetic and design flexibility. They provide architects with more design options, allowing for large glass surfaces without excessive heat gain or loss.

– Environmental impact. By reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control, they help lower a building’s carbon footprint.

– Health benefits. Optimal natural light exposure improves mood and sleep patterns.

Overall, dynamic windows offer a combination of energy savings, comfort, aesthetic appeal, and environmental sustainability.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

This breakthrough in dynamic window technology may have significant implications for organisations across a spectrum of industries because it offers a dual benefit of enhanced building design and energy efficiency. Organisations may now leverage windows that automatically adjust to changing light and temperature, thereby optimising internal environments while reducing reliance on artificial climate control. This could not only improve energy efficiency, but also potentially lower operational costs related to heating, cooling, and lighting. What’s also special about this discovery is that it uses an already known technology, but dramatically improves it by using a cheap and abundant addition – water.

Environmentally, this technology aligns with sustainability objectives, i.e. contributing substantially to lowering energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. This innovation could, therefore, be a step forward for organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and champion environmental stewardship.

The potential impact on occupants’ well-being is also worth noting. The ability of these windows to control glare while maintaining clear visibility could enhance comfort in workplaces and educational settings. Natural light is known to improve mood and productivity, suggesting that this innovation could lead to better work and learning environments.

From an architectural standpoint, this technology offers new creative possibilities. Designers can now incorporate large glass structures without compromising energy efficiency or internal comfort. This not only expands design options but may also enhance the aesthetic value of buildings.

The broader implications of this technology, as pointed out by researcher Delia Milliron, extend beyond smart windows to potentially influence areas like energy storage and conversion. This suggests that organisations within these sectors should be attentive to subsequent developments that might emerge.

Also, while the initial implementation of this technology might require investment, the long-term benefits are substantial. Lowered energy costs, increased property value, and alignment with sustainable trends present a strong economic and strategic case for the technology. For organisations looking to position themselves as progressive and environmentally conscious, this technology could significantly enhance their market presence and public perception.

This new dynamic window material may be more than just an advancement in smart windows, and could provide a gateway to greater energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, improved occupant comfort, architectural innovation, and a broader and beneficial technological impact.