Facebook Just Bought a Startup That Can Verify Biometric IDs

In 2017, Facebook ran a small test during which it urged users to sign up with their “Aadhaar names”.

Why is Facebook buying a startup that verifies biometric ID? We’ll find out soon. 

(Photo: iStock)

Facebook has acquired a biometric ID verification startup named ‘Confirm’ that specialises in remotely verifying IDs, like drivers licenses.

The startup offers an application programming interface (API) that helps verify government-issued identification cards. The acquisition, the financial details for which were not disclosed, is part of Facebook's effort to minimise the presence of fake profiles on its platform.

In India, Facebook ran a small test during which it urged users to sign up using their names as on their Aadhaar cards.

"The test, which has now finished, merely includes additional language on the account sign-up page to explain that using their Aadhaar name will help family and friends recognise them," Facebook had said in a statement.

"We are not collecting Aadhaar data and do not require people to enter their Aadhaar name when they sign up to Facebook," the company stressed.

The social networking platform and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have promised to make social media a cleaner place this year, with focus on curbing mass reach of fake stories, and providing user privacy on its platform. But it is anyone’s guess how Facebook plans on integrating Confirm and its software to its existing setup.

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg Has A New Year Resolution & Here’s What It Is

Due to its outright buyout, Confirm has announced that its existing authentication products will cease to exist.

We’re excited to announce that we have agreed to be acquired by Facebook! We’re ready to take the next step on our journey with Facebook. However, in the meantime this means all of our current digital ID authentication software offerings will be wound down.

Confirm statement

Facebook has over 217 million monthly active users in India and 212 million of them are active on smartphones. It has 2.1 billion monthly active users globally.

(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at [e-mail]. We’ll make sure India gets your message)