why doesnt airbnb require everyone to have an accurate profile picture?

[Debbie106]

I am really frustrated.  I keep getting requests from people that dont post accurate profile pics.  How am I supposed to feel comfortable letting a cartoon dog into my home?  This is a professional site and should expect professional people.  If I deny someone's reservation request then airbnb sends me a warning and lowers my rating.  That is not at all fair.

[Matthew285]

@Debbie106 I actually had a conversation with an Airbnb exec about this very topic.

The reason Airbnb stopped requiring an actual profile photo prior to booking was that having that requirement caused many, many potential guests to just abandon making a reservation entirely.

Airbnb figured it was better for the hosts to receive a booking without a photo (at least compared to having no guest booking at all).

The logic is that once the reservation has been made, the host could ask the guest to upload a photo.

So that is what you can do: send a message to the guest and tell them that you require a photo that clearly identifies the guest. If the guest refuses to upload a photo, you can contact Airbnb and request the reservation be cancelled without penalty.

[Ange2]

@Matthew285

Re: "The reason Airbnb stopped requiring an actual profile photo prior to booking was that having that requirement caused many, many potential guests to just abandon making a reservation entirely."

Interesting,  I heard that Airbnb said it was to minimize discrimination.

[Matthew285]

@Ange2 I know what you are talking about, and that is a related-but-different topic.

They stopped requiring photos prior to booking to increase the number of bookings.

To minimize discrimination, Airbnb conceals the guest photos until you approve the booking.

(Which is why the guest appears as just a circle and a letter initially.)

[Debbie106]

Thank you for your reply.  I do ask the guest to upload the picture but when Im traveling and using the phone app I cant always tell if its fake or not.  Its frustrating and I think Im just going to deny anyone that doesnt have prior airbnb experience.

[Matthew285]

@Debbie106 yes, you should do what you feel is necessary to feel comfortable about your guests.

To help with ensuring the photo provided is real, you can also include in your request a note that you will require the guest to provide matching ID upon check in (if you are near enough to your listing to do that sort of thing.)

[Helen600]

This isn't what they are saying to new guests. It says "If you’re asked to take a photo of yourself, we’ll also match this photo with the picture in the government ID you already provided. This helps us make sure you’re really you."

[Helen600]

Airbnb say to new guests "If you’re asked to take a photo of yourself, we’ll also match this photo with the picture in the government ID you already provided. This helps us make sure you’re really you."

I have received a booking from someone using a photo of a dog. Now, I do that for my facebook page but as a woman who lives on her own, I am opening my house to a total stranger and the least I expect is to be able to recognise the person who has booked is the person who is standing on my doorstep. I have asked the person to provide a photo of themselves and also reported them to Customer Support but so far nothing. Last week I had someone whose photo was of them in motorbike leathers and a helmet.

I feel like someone isn't actually checking when people register.

[Shirley26]

Here's my two cents:
Airbnb says guests are encouraged, but not required, to have a profile photo.
I will not accept anyone without that person providing a recent photo and it has nothing 
to do with discrimination.  
What makes it even more problemactic is when I get/see what is considered a (quote) "profile" photo
and the person is out of focus or so far out in the distance on the picture and/or wearing a 
cap/hat that is covering their face that I need to get out the magnifying glass. 
Here's what I believe should qualify as a profile photo whether a host or guest:
1. Photo
2. Recent photo
3. Only subject in photo
4. Face in focus
5. Wear appropriate attire
6. Head straight and upright
7. Use a pleasant facial expression
This is a business transaction, and as such, it should be treated in a business like manner.