Sending passport photo for stays is incredibly unsafe

[Joy1543]

I travel a lot, and understand the practice of asking and collecting certain information to stay in these apartments. However, for someone like myself who verifies employment for a living, this is probably the most uncomfortable thing I'm being asked to do. I've been sent links to third party websites - fine. But to send my passport photo with all my information and numbers on there feels like a really bad idea. Anyone else have this experience? I have asked the host if we can do this in person, or I could be sent a link. Otherwise, I'm really concerned. Staying in Budapest for reference.

[Helen3]

No I've travelled for many years in Europe and have always had to do this.

In many European countries and others throughout  the world quite rightly it's a legal requirement . 

you could look for hosts providing in person check in if you prefer not to have to upload ID in advance @Joy1543 

[Rashad30]

Uploading your passport via Airbnb messages is not secure at all, speaking as a software engineer. There is zero encryption. Airbnb messages can be read by various employees. There is no time limitation to accessing the documents. If the host's account is hacked, then the guest's ID information is also leaked.