Facebook buys biometric ID verification startup Confirm.io

Facebook has acquired a startup called Confirm.io, which used to verify biometric IDs like driver's license. The Boston-based startup offered an application programming interface (API) that helped other companies to quickly verify government-issued identification cards. The startup, however, will be shutting down as its team and technology are rolled into Facebook, which is trying to minimize the presence of fake profiles on its platform.

"We're excited to announce that we have agreed to be acquired by Facebook! This is the culmination of three years of hard work building technology that will keep people safe and secure online," said Confirm.io while commenting on the acquisition. The acquisition, for which the financial details are not revealed yet, could help Facebook users who are locked out of their accounts.

"When we launched Confirm, our mission was to become the market's trusted identity origination platform for which other multifactor verification services can build upon. Now, 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," the startup further said in a statement.

Facebook, on the other hand, said, "We are excited to welcome the Confirm team to Facebook. Their technology and expertise will support our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe."

Confirm.io, which was launched three years ago, had raised around $4 million from investors like Cava Capital. The startup used to take information from an ID card, mobile biometrics and facial recognition to confirm a person's identity and it deleted the personal data thereafter. Its clients could quickly integrate the technology for verifying people's identity. For example, food delivery service Doordash used Confirm.io to verify its drivers before hiring them.

Facebook could possibly utilize the technology to have users confirm their identities if they can't log into their accounts when hacked or forgetting their password. While the social network giant has not clarified anything yet, it has always given priority to users' safety and security.

If you recall, Facebook was spotted testing a feature that let you unlock your account using a selfie. Also, since almost five years now, the company has let people mail in a copy of their photo ID or other identity verification materials so that they can regain access to their account.