We've all seen it. The puff press releases, the dizzying hyperbole, the technological leap just over the horizon. This time, it's AI-powered identity verification. IDI’s partnership with Ping Identity, AI/ML-Powered Technology, Frictionless Customer Experiences… all exciting stuff, right? Before we hand over the keys to our digital kingdom, let's ask a tough question: Is this real progress, or just another layer of tech gloss on the same old problems?

AI ID: A Cure-All or Mirage?

🚂 That hype train you hear whistling in the distance is still largely driven by promises of seamless orchestration and dynamic user journeys. No-code integration with PingOne DaVinci! Faster, smarter decisions! Greater confidence! It's a symphony of buzzwords designed to make you feel like you're missing out if you don't jump on board. Proponents say it will improve identity verification and increase fraud detection and prevention. It will support risk mitigation, due diligence, regulatory compliance, and customer attraction.

Here's where my skepticism kicks in. We've been promised similar revolutions before. Remember blockchain solving everything? Or big data predicting the future? We know the tech industry has a tendency to oversell, and identity verification is a fraught space for it.

Think about it. With each new security advance, criminals figure out a way around it. It's an arms race. AI takes it even harder to produce an altered driver’s license, or open a fraudulent account. At the same time, it gives fraudsters new tools that they can take advantage of. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. AI can inform the analysis of patterns and tendencies and predict weaknesses in even the most sophisticated systems.

It's like the classic "whack-a-mole" game. You crush one issue, another one shifts, you know, moves around the country. This isn't to say AI ID verification is useless, but it's foolish to think it's a silver bullet. It’s a useful tool, but as with any tool it can be wielded for both benevolent and malevolent purposes.

Whose Identity Is Really Being Verified?

The IDI + Ping Identity joined forces to bring identity insights every step of the consumer journey. Sounds simple enough, but what does that even look like?

It means collecting more data. Lots more data. Every search query, every online interaction, every click, every purchase becomes a data point in the AI’s grand analysis of who you are. And though the private companies offer dreamlike seamless customer experiences, as we know the possibilities for misuse are immense.

  • Think about: Could this technology be used to deny services based on perceived risk? Could it be used to manipulate consumer behavior? Could it be used to create a chilling effect on free speech and expression?

These aren't hypothetical scenarios. This is especially concerning in light of the numerous high-profile instances of AI bias we’ve already witnessed in facial recognition and beyond. The danger is that AI-driven identity verification will not only deepen current disparities but lead to novel discriminatory practices.

Awe/Wonder? More like Anxiety/Fear. The technology is impressive, yes. Could we even claim to be ready for the day that an ultra-powerful AI monitors, judges, and parses our every action? All of this is justified in the name of “creating a better frictionless customer experience.”

Beyond the Hype: The Future of Trust

So, what's the alternative? Do we abandon AI ID verification altogether? Of course not. The technology has wonderful potential, but we have to be careful about the technology and a healthy level of skepticism.

  • Focus on transparency: Companies need to be upfront about how they're collecting and using data.
  • Prioritize privacy: Build systems that minimize data collection and maximize user control.
  • Ensure accountability: Establish clear lines of responsibility for AI-driven decisions.

In the end, the future of identity verification goes beyond technology. It’s about trust. And it’s making sure that the technology systems we design are fair and equitable and honor our communities’ rights. It’s about creating a digital society that everyone can engage with knowing that their privacy and agency aren’t being compromised.

The natural evolution of this partnership, IDI and Ping Identity AI and seamless integration. We hope that this collaboration will lead to groundbreaking innovation in the industry. Or perhaps it is simply another nail in the coffin along the path to an ever-deepening surveillance state. The choice, as always, is ours. Let's make sure we choose wisely. Because the stakes are higher than ever.

Think of the rise of social media. It promised to connect us with each other, to liberate us from time and space. And in some ways, it did. It simultaneously provided echo chambers they could use to fuel polarization and erode trust in institutions. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes with AI-powered identity verification.

For starters, let’s set aside the hype! That’s the future we’re working to create—one where technology works for people, not the other way around.