Smile ID’s enhanced SmartSelfie technology, records 0% penetration in fraud tests

A leading biometric and identity verification provider in Africa, Smile ID has introduced Enhanced SmartSelfie™, an upgraded technology designed to tackle rising fraud cases in digital platforms.

The feature, which achieved ISO/IEC 30107-3:2023 Level two certification, recorded a 0 per cent penetration rate in rigorous fraud tests involving advanced methods like 3D masks and deepfakes.

CEO, Smile ID, Mark Straub described the development as a significant step forward in identity verification.

“Fraudsters constantly adapt, and so do we. Enhanced SmartSelfie™ gives businesses a secure and reliable tool to verify identities, reducing fraud while maintaining a seamless user experience,” Straub said.

The launch of this technology comes at a time when fraud is escalating across Africa. According to the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Nigerian banks recorded fraud losses of ₦42.6 billion between April and June 2024, a quarterly figure surpassing the total for 2023. Similarly, South Africa saw a 45 per cent rise in digital banking fraud cases last year, while Kenya reported a debit card fraud incident costing one bank $2.1 million.

Smile ID’s new feature uses dynamic challenges to verify users, such as random facial movements, making it harder for fraudsters to bypass the system with static images or pre-recorded videos. The company stated that its solutions are tailored to the African market, ensuring compatibility with low-bandwidth conditions and affordable Android devices, which are widely used across the continent.

Its efforts also reflect the growing demand for secure identity solutions. Between January and December 2024, the company recorded a 700 per cent increase in biometric authentication requests, underscoring the urgency for businesses to adopt advanced fraud prevention tools.

“Fraud has become a persistent challenge for high-risk sectors like banking and remittance. Our focus remains on developing solutions that safeguard transactions while addressing the specific needs of the African market,” Straub added.

An industry expert who spoke on the condition of anonymity noted that biometric authentication is becoming indispensable in curbing fraud.

“The rise in fraudulent activities demands more robust security solutions, and technologies like Enhanced SmartSelfie™ could set a new standard,” the expert said.

The adoption of Enhanced SmartSelfie™ is expected to provide businesses with a robust defence against identity fraud, ensuring safer digital transactions for users across the continent.

Smile ID is Africa’s leading provider of biometric and identity verification solutions, offering secure and reliable technologies tailored to the unique needs of the continent. From document verification to advanced biometric authentication, Smile ID is committed to empowering businesses with tools to prevent fraud and enhance user trust.