How Machine Learning is Taking Identity Proofing Solutions to a Whole New Level

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables computers to make human-like decisions, creating efficiencies that were previously unachievable. AI powers everyday technologies such as search engines, self-driving cars, and facial recognition apps. This technology is also leveraged for consumer identity access and management to protect consumers and businesses against fraud.

The Growth of ID-based Transactions

Banking, healthcare, government and many other industries employ ID verification and authentication to get accurate information about their customers and prevent ID fraud. As fraudulent transactions continue to rise, the need for a strong, customer-friendly identity proofing solution becomes critical.

Artificial Intelligence, and its subsets of machine learning and deep learning, make it possible to accurately process, verify, and authenticate identities at scale. Machine learning enables solutions to continually improve by learning from their data collection mechanism. This, in turn, informs the operation and performance of the software. For an in-depth look at machine learning and how it applies to your industry, read our latest white paper: Beyond Machine Learning.

Machine Learning for ID Proofing

Machine learning is an extremely efficient tool for discerning between real and fraudulent IDs. Computer software that is constantly learning and correcting itself can process millions of transactions at a rate unachievable by human experts.

However, IDs are physical documents that endure wear and tear, and may feature manufacturing discrepancies. If the model for passing or failing IDs is based on only a few samples, many real IDs will fail the test. This is where human oversight comes into play.

Machines and Humans Working Together for Highest Accuracy

Trained professionals using the software can step in to prevent bad customer experiences when the software flags a legitimate ID because it is damaged or worn.

During the rare instances where the computer fails to identify what is wrong with an ID, the professional can apply their expert eye, determine what error occurred and teach the computer how to spot the issue in the future. This creates a different method of learning where new information is being input to the learning model so the model can improve.

The benefits of machine learning combined with human expertise is the current standard in identity proofing solutions. Businesses want to be able to approve all good customers from the start with no friction. A good ID verification solution will do just that. In addition, when looking for a provider, businesses need to consider scope of expertise. Providers experienced in ID-based transactions across multiple industries help to ensure machines will have a model that has encountered multiple scenarios for failing or passing an ID.


Artificial Intelligence increases customer security and prevents fraud. Identity proofing providers are a trusted source to collect evidence of fraud, and through machine learning, that evidence can be analyzed and applied continuously to ensure higher accuracy.

Acuant is among the world leaders in applying machine learning to identity proofing solutions. Over the past 20 years, Acuant has accumulated the industry’s largest identity document library with government-issued ID documents and passports from over 190 countries. Acuant technology also has the ability to read characters in almost any language to ensure business are providing the most customer-friendly experience to instantly approve more good customers.

To join Acuant’s group of industry-leading partners, talk to an ID Solutions Specialist today.


Beyond Machine Learning

Stranger Danger: Why You Should Care About Verifying Identities in the Age of the Sharing Economy

The Sharing Economy, which in broad terms is defined as an economic system in which assets or services are shared between individuals via the internet and especially mobile apps, has become a major way in which Millennials transact. This includes conducting transactions for business, travel, on-demand services and virtually all lifestyle-type offerings for goods and services. According to Pew Research, about 72% of Americans have tried at least one platform or service.

While the rise of sharing economy apps appears to have made many luxury services and chores more convenient and accessible, there is the question of security. Not every app emphasizes security and privacy. Many use social media as a way to verify users. These are merely connected to a Facebook or other social profile, which can be easily faked. Then there is the question of employee verification. With so many services that allow users to invite providers into their private homes, a private car or a private location – one has to ask the question, how is my safety being addressed? We need only refer to Uber to see how instances of assaults by drivers and passengers have made customers, especially women, warier of these services. And we have all heard a crazy story about an Airbnb person who would not leave or destroyed the house. Wouldn’t it bring some peace of mind to know your driver, houseguest, online date, make-up artist etc., has been verified and that you know this before they enter your life?

Seeing a picture and name of your driver or delivery person does not mean necessarily that this person has been verified. Not every sharing economy platform conducts background checks and only in the last few years has ID verification become more of a concern to even the major platforms like the aforementioned Uber who now continuously verifies driver identities.

It is important for businesses to continually update their security by verifying IDs and conducting background checks. In addition, educating customers about best practices will also help to protect privacy and prevent a negative experience.

While companies catch up on their security standards, here are some tips for customers using apps and services:

  1. Learn to Spot Fake Reviews

Don’t be fooled by stellar reviews. If there are only a handful of 5-star reviews, these could have been written by personal friends. Pick someone with hundreds of good reviews and be assured that this provider is giving a consistent, positive experience.

  1. Research Company Methods of ID Verification the Background Checks

Before using any service, do some research about what kind of identity verification they use for employees and users, as well as if background checks are conducted, general policies, and whether there are outstanding lawsuits against the company. Checks such as sex offender registries, DMV records, or taking social security number information are some basic tests of a trusted service.

  1. Change your Profile Pictures

As Sharing Economy platforms become more popular, they often become targets of ID theft and confidence schemes. A good way to avoid being conned is to use a new photo not attached to any other platform that might contain personal information such as LinkedIn or even Facebook.

  1. Think Before You Speak

Don’t talk to strangers about your plans. A handyman, housekeeper, or driver from an app doesn’t need to know where you’re going or how long you’ll be away. In addition, it might be a good idea to let close friends or family know whenever you are on the road, in someone else’s home, or have someone in your own home.


Sharing economy platforms and services must do more to protect customer privacy and security. Verifying IDs is a crucial step in establishing trust between customers and providers. Acuant’s ID Proofing Solutions allow businesses to capture accurate ID data, ensure IDs are valid and verify identities in seconds for secure mobile transactions.

Download our idScanGo mobile app in the app store for iOS and Android to see the process in action with your own ID and insurance card.



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