AirBnB takes the position they are just the middle man (like craigslist) and any issues that come up or lies in the ads are purely a problem between landlord and renter. I've stayed at about 22 places of which 1/3 had lied in their ads. There's zero repercussion for the landlords from AirBnB. You're unlikely to cancel because you just arrived with luggage and have plans. Canceling once you arrive is really a huge PITA trying to find a new place within 24hr most likely at 2x to 4x the cost and waste a day not exploring your destination. After that your only recourse is a bad review but most likely the place has already been booked by several others so your review is guaranteed to be buried. Other renters also may not notice the lies. Examples: Claims it includes parking but doesn't. People that did't bring car won't care. Claims it's heated but it's not. People coming during a hot season won't care. Claims it's in one place (quiet) but it's actually a few blocks away (loud), AFAICT no one has noticed since it was highly rated. Claims it's a 1bd but it's actually a studio with a divider. People that don't need quiet (no frig noises) to sleep won't care.

AirBnb needs to have some kind of way of punishing the lies. As it is they just claim "not our problem".

How does a photo do that? The photo just ensures that the person at your door matches the photo. But why is that important? That is, what info are you trying to glean from the photo?

Airbnb bookings are business transactions. I don't see why the host has to trust the guest anymore than a hotel/motel has to trust their guests.

You might be right, but renting a place is regulated in most Western countries. And I'm pretty sure racial discrimination is against the law in most of these countries too, as much as refusing a service based on the race of the "client".

Wow.