Instagram has apparently began utilizing a brand new technique for identification verification of its customers. The social media platform is asking customers to take a brief video selfie ‘to assist verify that you are a actual individual’. This function has doubtless been launched to cut back the variety of faux or spam accounts on the platform. Instagram proprietor Meta (previously Facebook) guarantees that it’ll not acquire any biometric knowledge and this function will solely be used for identification verification and nothing else. Identity verification ideally occurs when a brand new person registers on the platform, so present customers aren’t being requested to undergo the video selfie course of but.

Social Media Consultant Matt Navarra first spotted the video selfie verification technique on Instagram. As a part of the method, Instagram is reportedly asking customers to file a brief video of themselves whereas turning their heads in several instructions with a view to verify that they’re, in truth, actual individuals. The precise description as per the screenshots says, “We want a brief video of turning your head in several instructions. This helps us verify that you are a actual individual and ensure your identification”.

Once the video is recorded, users will need to submit the video to Meta for confirmation of identity. Meta, as described in the screenshots, clarifies that this video will never be visible on Instagram and will be deleted from the servers within 30 days. The company also promises that the selfie videos won’t be used for facial recognition nor will the company collect biometric data.

As mentioned, the video selfie verification feature seems to apply only to users creating new accounts and existing users don’t need to verify their identity just yet.

Instagram is also working on bringing the ability to leave a ‘Like’ on Stories. Currently, users can only react to Stories, which shows up in their direct messages. There is no clarity on when the Like feature will be publicly available on Instagram but the developers are said to be working on it.