š¹ Definition
Liveness Detection is a biometric security technique used to distinguish between a real, live human being and a fake or spoofed biometric sample, such as a photo, video, mask, or deepfake. It is a critical component of remote identity verification and fraud prevention systems, particularly within eKYC, biometric onboarding, and access control processes.
Liveness detection ensures that identity authentication is performed by a living person in real time, and not by someone attempting to bypass facial recognition or fingerprint systems using forged or stolen materials.
š¹ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How does liveness detection work?
There are two main types:
- Active Liveness Detection: Requires the user to perform specific actions (e.g., blink, turn head, speak a phrase).
- Passive Liveness Detection: Uses AI and computer vision to analyze subtle biometric cues (e.g., skin texture, reflections, depth) without requiring user interaction.
Both types may involve:
- 3D face modeling
- Motion analysis
- Infrared or depth sensors
- Spoofing detection algorithms
Q2: Why is liveness detection important in compliance and security?
- Prevents identity fraud using stolen photos, videos, or synthetic media
- Supports non-face-to-face KYC/eKYC verification
- Enhances authentication reliability in digital onboarding
- Helps organizations meet regulatory requirements in AML, GDPR, and data protection
- Protects against account takeover, deepfake attacks, and biometric spoofing
Q3: Where is liveness detection commonly used?
- Digital banking and fintech onboarding
- Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Remote account recovery and authentication
- Online exams and remote proctoring
- Border control and airport security kiosks
Q4: What are signs of failed liveness or spoof attempts?
- Repetitive or unnatural movements
- Blurry edges or flat image patterns
- Lack of real-time lighting changes or depth
- Use of pre-recorded videos or manipulated content
- AI-detected inconsistencies in facial geometry or behavior
Q5: How can companies integrate liveness detection?
- Partner with eKYC and biometric solution providers
- Use SDKs or APIs that support passive and active detection
- Ensure systems are compliant with ISO/IEC 30107-3 PAD (Presentation Attack Detection) standards
- Test regularly for false acceptance and false rejection rates (FAR/FRR)
- Educate users about proper environmental conditions (e.g., lighting, camera access) for accurate results
