Facebook is reportedly testing facial recognition as a way of securing accounts more efficiently.
Facebook confirmed the testing to TechCrunch saying, “We are testing a new feature for people who want to quickly and easily verify account ownership during the account recovery process. This optional feature is available only on devices you’ve already used to log in. It is another step, alongside two-factor authentication via SMS, that we’re taking to make sure account owners can confirm their identity.”
That said, Facebook is limiting the use of facial recognition to account recovery as opposed to Apple’s various applications of the technology towards unlocking iPhone X devices, among other purposes. The feature is optional.
It is important to note that while biometric identification is a convenient way of securing a device without having to remember a password if the biometric data is compromised, it can not be changed the same way passwords can.
Overall, Facebook explains if the feature is helpful to users and hackers are unable to crack their codes, Facebook could potentially expand the program.
Facebook has tried different ways to help you unlock an account. Previously, the company would ask you to identify photos of your friends, or allowing you to designated several “trusted friends” who receive a code that you can ask them for to unlock. But, facial recognition puts Facebook into unknown waters as a major privacy concern. It begs the question about how many people are likely to be comfortable to use their face to Facebook.