Identity verification APIs play a vital role in integrating applications in a way that establishes security, improves compliance, and streamlines user onboarding. This, according to an update from Prove.
Prove explained that these tools are necessary for creating trustworthy digital ecosystems, as they address everything from “preventing fraud to meeting stringent regulatory requirements.”
However, Prove pointed out that implementing an effective, comprehensive identity verification framework “isn’t without its challenges.”
Even if done correctly, Prove noted that it’s still a complex process, one that can create “integration headaches, inadvertent visibility gaps, and a disjointed user experience.”
All these issues can ultimately “weaken the trust you are trying to build.”
Prove examined mistakes developers make when using identity verification APIs and “how to avoid them.”
Prove explained that whether you are creating a new application or improving an old one, “knowing these pitfalls can help you in your development efforts.”
Prove added that it can save you time, lower risks, and lead to “better results for your users and your business.”
One of the most common pitfalls when implementing identity verification is hindering the user experience.
Prove also mentioned that requiring lengthy or invasive processes “can lead to user frustration and abandonment.”
Legitimate users often encounter redundant steps “that reduce conversion rates.”
Consider the following scenario:
A user attempts to create an account on a financial services platform. The onboarding process requires the user to provide:
- Manual Data Entry: Input personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number manually.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Selfie Verification: Capture and upload a real-time selfie to match against the provided ID photo.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Set up 2FA by downloading an authenticator app and linking it to the new account.
- Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Answer security questions based on personal history, such as previous addresses or loan amounts.
Impact on User Experience
- Redundancy: The user must repeatedly provide personal information across multiple steps, leading to redundancy and increased effort. Excessive steps and information requests can frustrate users, diminishing their overall experience.
- Complexity: Navigating through various verification layers, including document uploads, biometric verification, and KBA, can be overwhelming, especially for users who are not tech-savvy.
- Time-Consuming: Each additional step prolongs the onboarding process, causing delays that can deter users seeking quick access. Faced with a lengthy and complex process, users may abandon the onboarding altogether, seeking more straightforward alternatives.
- Technical Barriers: Requiring the download of additional apps or access to scanning technology may not be feasible for all users, particularly those on mobile devices or with limited technical resources. The platform may experience lower conversion rates due to the barriers imposed by the overcomplicated verification process.
The Solution, according to Prove:
Simplifying the user experience doesn’t mean giving up security.
It means finding a balance that “keeps users safe and makes things easy to use.”
Implementing Prove allows you to integrate the following best practices:
- Minimize Friction with the Prove Pre-Fill solution: Utilize tools like the Prove Pre-Fill solution to eliminate redundant steps. By securely auto-populating forms with identity information from authoritative data sources, you reduce user effort while maintaining data accuracy.
- Offer Real-Time Validations: Prevent errors and unnecessary rework by integrating near real-time validations. Phone-based identity solutions, for example, can almost instantaneously verify the integrity of data without interrupting the user’s journey.
- Use Trusted APIs for Simple Integration: Prove Link has ready-to-integrate SDKs. These SDKs make integration with the platform easy. This ensures identity verification happens seamlessly, avoiding additional steps for the end user.
- Prioritize a Clear and Intuitive Workflow: Design the verification process with user psychology in mind. Avoid cluttered interfaces and unnecessary clicks, providing clear progress indicators and simple instructions.
- Collect Only What’s Necessary: Balance security with convenience by ensuring your identity verification process only asks for essential information. Reducing data input requirements alleviates user concerns about privacy while speeding up the process.