In recent months, many Facebook users have reported being prompted by the platform to submit a video selfie in order to verify their account. This unexpected and for some, concerning request has left users wondering – why is Facebook asking me to submit a video of my face?
The Identity Verification Policy
Facebook introduced a new identity verification policy in 2018 in an effort to reduce fake accounts and misinformation on the platform. Under this policy, Facebook can require users to submit a government ID or other documentation to confirm their identity if their account appears suspicious or is reported for violations.
More recently, Facebook has begun using video selfies as another way to verify users’ identities. Here’s how it works: if Facebook flags your account as potentially fake, they will prompt you to take a video selfie of your face from multiple angles. Artificial intelligence systems then analyze the video to determine if you match the profile photos already associated with your account.
Why Request Video Selfies Specifically?
Facebook decided to utilize video selfies to confirm users’ identities for a few key reasons:
- It’s more secure than simply uploading ID photos, which can be easily faked or stolen from other online sources.
- Video provides more angles and depth than standard photos, allowing their AI systems to better match the selfie to existing profile pictures.
- It’s quick and easy for most users to take a selfie video clip on their smartphone device.
Compared to asking users to submit government IDs or take photos holding up signs, video selfies provide a convenient and tamper-proof way for Facebook to verify that you are the authentic user behind your account.
When Will Facebook Request a Video Selfie?
There are a few circumstances that may prompt Facebook to request a video selfie from users:
- When setting up a new account or changing profile photos.
- If your account gets reported for impersonation or other violations.
- If AI detects suspicious account activity that may indicate a fake or compromised account.
- When attempting to run certain ads or promotions on Facebook.
Essentially, any time Facebook’s systems flag your account as potentially inauthentic, requiring a video selfie is one way they can promptly verify you are who you claim to be. Some users may be asked for selfies multiple times if issues with their account persist.
Is Submitting a Video Selfie Required?
Submitting a video selfie is required in order to regain full access to your Facebook account after it gets restricted. Failure to comply could result in your account being suspended until you provide the requested verification materials.
However, do keep in mind security best practices anytime Facebook or other platforms ask for personal info or media. Make sure the request is coming from an official Facebook domain and via secure channels. Use watermarks or obscure background details if concerned about privacy. And consider proactively securing your account with two-factor authentication to reduce the chances of restriction.
What Happens to the Selfie Videos?
According to Facebook, the video selfies users submit for identity verification are deleted 30 days after upload. They assert the videos are only used to confirm users’ identities and not stored in their profile or shared elsewhere. The automated systems analyze the video, extract a digital facial template to compare to your account photos, and then permanently delete the original video.
Of course, many privacy advocates remain skeptical of these claims. Facebook’s past privacy issues and lack of transparency around data practices certainly don’t help alleviate concerns. Users ultimately have to decide if they trust Facebook’s systems and alleged safeguards when submitting a selfie video.
Are the Selfie Videos Shared with Law Enforcement?
Facebook claims video selfies are exclusively used for identity verification purposes and not shared with any external parties. However, their privacy policy does state they may share user data with law enforcement agencies or third-parties if compelled by legal requests. So in theory, video selfies could be obtained by police or government entities via official legal requests or subpoenas.
That said, Facebook maintains that to date they have not used or shared any video selfies with law enforcement. Of course, even if they wanted to acquiesce to authorities, the videos would no longer be available after 30 days per their automated systems.
Does This Infringe on Privacy Rights?
Requiring users to submit a video of their face for identity verification understandably raises privacy concerns. Some critics argue that compulsory facial recognition crosses a line when it comes to data collection by private companies like Facebook.
Digital rights groups like Fight for the Future also point out the practice could exclude certain groups from using social platforms. Religious users who wear face coverings, transgender users who have yet to update ID photos, and those sensitivity about showing their face all may find the mandate problematic.
There are also fears around how the facial data could be misused or exposed in potential future data breaches. And some distrust Facebook’s claims that the selfies are permanently deleted after 30 days, citing their past mishandling of user data.
However, Facebook argues the temporary collection of selfie videos is justified to protect the majority of users by weeding out fake accounts used for harmful purposes. They aim to strike a balance between privacy and platform integrity. But it remains an ongoing debate.
Alternative Verification Methods
Rather than a compulsory video selfie, privacy advocates argue Facebook could employ less invasive measures to verify user identities. Some alternatives they suggest include:
- Text or email-based authentication codes.
- Knowledge-based identity quizzes.
- Voluntary uploads of official IDs or documentation.
- Two-factor or multifactor authentication.
- Account verification through a friend network.
However, Facebook claims these methods are less secure, more prone to spoofing, and not scalable to all users. The company determined AI-assisted video analysis provides the best blend of convenience, efficiency and accuracy for identity verification across their billions of users.
How to Complete the Video Selfie Process
If you receive a notification from Facebook requesting a video selfie, here are the steps to complete the process:
- Click on the notification prompt from Facebook. Alternatively, go to your Facebook Settings & Privacy menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to take a short video of your face turning your head in different directions.
- The video clip should capture your full face in adequate lighting conditions.
- Submit the video clip through the platform as prompted.
- Facebook’s AI systems will analyze and verify the video to confirm your identity.
- You may be required to submit another selfie video if the initial one fails the automated checks.
- Once verified, you will regain full access to your Facebook account.
It typically takes Facebook’s AI just a few minutes to process and approve selfie videos that meet all criteria. Providing a clear selfie and following all instructions can help expedite the process.
Risks of Not Complying
Choosing not to comply with Facebook’s request for a video selfie could result in the below consequences:
- Your account may remain temporarily locked or restricted.
- You will be unable to access certain features, like posting content or running ads.
- Your account could get permanently disabled for violating Facebook’s identity policies.
- Loss of access to your Facebook data and connections.
- Having to go through the account creation process again.
Essentially, if you want to continue normally using your Facebook account after receiving a selfie video request, you will need to comply with the verification process. Declining to provide the video confirmation of your identity will disrupt your access to the platform.
Can You Report or Opt-out of Video Selfie Requests?
There is no way to preemptively opt-out of video selfie requests on Facebook. If your account gets flagged for identity confirmation, submitting a selfie video becomes mandatory.
You can submit feedback to Facebook if you feel the request was issued in error or have concerns about the compulsory nature of facial recognition.
Some advocates recommend proactively strengthening your account security, confirming your email and phone number, reporting impersonators, and validating any major profile changes. This may reduce the likelihood of your account being flagged for identity verification later on.
Are Other Platforms Using Facial Recognition?
Facebook is not alone in deploying facial recognition and AI-assisted identity checks. Many other major platforms also rely on biometrics as part of their user authentication systems, including:
| Platform | Use of Facial Recognition |
|---|---|
| Users can opt-in to facial verification for account login or device access. | |
| Snapchat | Uses selfies submitted during account creation to power verification and anti-spoofing systems. |
| TikTok | Scan user-uploaded videos to identify subjects and compare against known child safety material. |
| Reviews user-submitted ID selfies to confirm account ownership in some cases. | |
| Matches profile selfies against your social graph to detect spoofing attempts. |
Given the rise of sophisticated identity fraud tactics, facial analysis and matching has become a trusted tool for platforms seeking to authenticate users and combat threats. But balancing security, privacy and transparency remains an ongoing challenge.
Conclusion
Facebook’s video selfie identity verification practice aims to enhance platform security and integrity by detecting fake accounts. However, the mandatory facial recognition process has raised understandable privacy concerns among some users and advocacy groups.
Critics argue for alternative identity confirmation methods that are less invasive. But Facebook insists selfie matching provides the right balance of accuracy, convenience and scalability for its billions of users.
Users have little choice but to comply with providing a video if they wish to regain full access to their account when flagged. Facebook maintains the clips are permanently deleted after 30 days and not shared externally without consent.
While increased identity verification measures can augment platform trust and safety, they underscore the delicate balance between security and privacy in the social media landscape.