On June 28, a post titled 'Airbnb Hidden Camera Found' was shared on an online community board along with photos.
Netizen A who posted the message decided to book a place on Airbnb with his girlfriend for their trip to Japan.
When they arrived at the guesthouse in Japan, everything seemed normal. However, just as he was about to get ready for bed, Netizen A noticed a 'green light' suddenly turn on from the smoke detector which was stuck on the ceiling.
Not only that, he realized that the smoke detector was placed in an odd position and was concerned about the tiny hole facing directly towards the bed.
In the beginning, his girlfriend said as a joke, "Is that a hidden camera?" Suspicious, he went to examine the device only to find out that the object was none other than a hidden camera disguised as a smoke detector.
He then dissembled the device to take a look inside and found a small camera, micro SD card, as well as an on/off switch.
The couple had stayed at the same facility back in January as well. If the hidden camera was there at the time, it is highly possible that other guests who stayed there were also recorded.
He commented, "Should I report it to the Japanese police? I don't think the Consulate General will be much help."
Airbnb is a hospitality service allowing travelers to book guesthouses at a moderate price at their convenience.
It seems this isn't the first time such an incident had occurred in Japan. In August of 2016, a Korean traveler booked a room at a guest home in Osaka and discovered a hidden camera underneath his bed. It was positioned to record the shower and bathroom in the hallway. Meanwhile, another person made a shocking discovery of a dead body inside a guesthouse in Fukuoka in February.
Such series of events are leading many to question and be cautious in regards to privacy and reliability while visiting foreign countries.
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