Technology companies like Uber and Airbnb have, to say it mildly, really transformed our day-to-day world. They capitalized on innovative technologies and made it easier for everyone to get around, order take out, go on vacation and so on.

When I use Uber, I am sometimes notified the driver has a camera in their car. I suppose, if I'm not comfortable with that, I can cancel the car and ask for a different one. Personally, I like it when the driver has a camera in the car. It not only signals that they are safety-conscious, it also lends me a bit comfort.

I don't always feel this way about video surveillance. Nanny cams are, to me, creepy. And, I'd never stay in a hotel or short-term rental if I knew there was a camera watching me as I went about living my life.

This is why I applaud Airbnb's move this week to ban the use of indoor cameras in their listings. They also augmented their policies in regard to what is permitted when the property owner uses cameras that monitor outdoor locations.

The reaction from Canadian regulators was quick. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and a handful of provincial privacy commissioners readily praised the move and endorsed the ban on indoor cameras. They also took the opportunity to stress their view that privacy is fundamental right.

If I were Airbnb, I'd use the privacy regulators' joint statement in my future marketing efforts.

We discussed this case in my class this week. The students and I talked about how it's becoming more common to see certain organizations use pro-privacy policy decisions as ways to grow their customer base by gaining trust.

Apple did this a few years ago when they started advertising how their products have privacy built in by design. Airbnb's policy change is the latest example.

We've been saying it for a long time now: Good privacy builds trust, which builds more loyal customers. It's good to see some organizations catching on.

In a few weeks, my family and I head off for a little vacation, and, yes, we're using a short-term rental app for what looks like a beautiful sea-view apartment. Before we leave, I'm going to double check what their policy is on video cameras. If they aren't following the Airbnb example, they'll likely get a fuss.

Have a great weekend everyone.