The video selfie is an account authentication method implemented by Lydia. Users may be asked to take a video selfie in two situations: when requesting access to an account without a password, or to get their identity verified.
To record a video selfie, users must film themselves facing the camera and speak out loud, following the on-screen instructions.
Video selfies are not compulsory. If users don't want to record a video selfie, they have other means to recover their account.
Why this choice?
Usually, if we forget our password, we are prompted to click on a "Forgot password" link. This then generates an email to reset the password, sends a letter home, or asks the user to answer so-called secret questions, such as "What was the name of your first pet?", "What was the name of your elementary school?", etc.
Unfortunately, these methods can be quite easily corrupted by ill-intentioned people.
That's why Lydia opted for the video selfie.
The video selfie is a more secure solution, difficult to falsify, due to :
- The use of random phrases or movements ;
- Human verifications of the selfies. Where a machine might have difficulty discerning a video overlay or a situation that looks suspicious, a person will have an easier time detecting them. It takes a little longer, but it's worth it. Validation time is generally between 3 and 5 minutes.
At Lydia, only the teams responsible for checking the users' identity have access to these videos. These files are never shared with third-party services without the express consent of the user.