In the realm of online authentication and verification, government-issued ID is becoming increasingly important. Platforms like LinkedIn are utilizing government ID verification to combat scams and automated accounts. E-commerce users are urged to only transact with sellers who have been verified using government-issued documentation. Verified accounts are often marked with a “tick” symbol, indicating that the user’s identity has been confirmed.
Companies like Shopee, Amazon, Lazada, and Qoo10 have received high safety ratings by implementing government ID verification for all sellers. Carousell, a classifieds platform, has also implemented mandatory Singpass verification for certain categories as a response to scams. While Carousell requires Singpass verification for transactions within Singapore, it does not mandate government ID verification for property listings in other countries where it operates.
The use of government-issued ID can be a barrier for some users, particularly casual users who may not be keen on stringent verification processes. Carousell is exploring various options to make verification more targeted for high-risk scenarios, in response to user feedback. On the other hand, platforms like Facebook only require an email for account approval, despite being plagued with e-commerce scams on their Marketplace platform. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has faced criticism for not working closely with authorities to combat scams on its platforms.
In response to the prevalence of scams on social media platforms, the Ministry of Home Affairs advises users to exercise caution and look out for common contacts and reviews before engaging in transactions. Facebook and Instagram users have the option to pay for a verification badge on their accounts by providing government ID and a video selfie. This additional layer of verification is aimed at increasing trust and authenticity on social media platforms.
As the importance of verification and authentication in online transactions continues to grow, government-issued ID verification is seen as a key standard for building trust on various platforms. By implementing stringent verification processes, especially for e-commerce transactions, companies can create a safer online environment for users. While there may be challenges in implementing such measures, the goal is to protect users from scams and fraudulent activities in the digital space. It will be interesting to see how online platforms evolve their verification processes in response to user feedback and increasing security concerns.