By Juliet Umeh

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 2 certification, recorded a 0 percent penetration rate in rigorous fraud tests involving advanced methods like 3D masks and deepfakes.

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

Straub said: “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.”

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 N42.6 billion between April and June 2024, a quarterly figure surpassing the total for 2023. Similarly, South Africa saw a 45 percent 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.

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.

Smile ID’s efforts also reflect the growing demand for secure identity solutions. Between January and December 2024, the company recorded a 700 percent 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,” Straub added.

“Our focus remains on developing solutions that safeguard transactions while addressing the specific needs of the African market.”

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.