The use of selfies to verify identity online is an emerging trend in some parts of the world since the pandemic forced more business to go digital. Some banks – and even governments – have begun requiring live images over Zoom or similar in order to participate in the modern economy. The question must be asked, though: is it cyber smart?
Just last Monday the Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam began requiring face scans on phone banking apps as proof of identity for all digital transactions of around $400 and above.
The nation’s residents are not able to opt out of the banking rules, despite Vietnam regularly finding itself ranked poorly when it comes to internet privacy or cyber security.
Local media has weighed in to suggest that selfies will not improve security. And just days into the new regime, some apps have already been called out for accepting still photos instead of a live image of the individual.
I have to do this with my ISP whenever I make a change. The most recent was when I wanted to downgrade my internet and I had to send all the details of my licence and do a selfie. Even after 2FA and a bunch of security questions.
Then they wanted me to fill out a form providing details about my employer, if my house is a rental or mortgage among other things. I refused that part. Especially seeing as my ISP had a huge data leak recently. It’s wild.