It looks like Facebook is Swipeworking on a new tool to fight back against fake accounts.
The social network is testing a video-based verification system that asks users to record short videos clips of their face in order to "confirm your identity and check that you're a real person," according to newly surfaced screenshots.
The feature was uncovered by researcher Jane Manchun Wong, whose track record for breaking news about unreleased Facebook features is so strong, multiple Facebook employees and executives have started to follow her on Twitter.
According to screenshots posted by Wong, the feature prompts users to create a short video selfie, showing the each side of your face, in order to "check that you're a real person." Though Wong speculates the feature uses facial recognition, it's not clear if the feature is actually identifying faces or merely confirming that it is, in fact, a real human in front of the camera.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
An accompanying messages notes that the videos are deleted within 30 days "after your identity is confirmed."
Facebook didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The company often tests new features that don't end up being released to the public.
But it wouldn't be surprising if the company was exploring new ways to guard against bots and other types of fake accounts. The social media company removed more than 2 billion fake accounts in the first half of this year alone, and some critics have speculated Facebook's fake account problem could be far larger.
If the video verification system does use facial recognition, though, it could prove controversial. The company was previously criticized by the Federal Trade Commission for its "deceptive" facial recognition feature that powered automatic face tagging in users' photos. Facebook updated those settings earlier this year to make it easier to opt out.
UPDATE: Nov. 5, 2019, 4:47 p.m. PST A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the company is testing the new video verification feature, but said it does not use facial recognition.
“This test is one of the steps we use to determine that a real person is operating an account rather than a bot," the spokesperson said. "It does not use facial recognition. Instead, it detects motion and whether a face is in the video.”
Topics Facebook Facial Recognition Social Media
NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for February 11: Tips to solve Connections #141
How to watch 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story'
Raptors head coach becomes next best NBA meme with a priceless reaction shot
Tiger Woods won the Masters, and everybody loves a comeback
Segway Xyber is a wickedly quick e
New 'Brexit Party' forgets to register its domain name, website gets claimed by pro
Watch this dog show off his very good soccer skills
13 hilarious reviews of the Mueller Report on Goodreads
Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics 2025 livestream: Watch NBA online
'Doctor Who' star Ncuti Gatwa on playing the Doctor: 'It feels really powerful'
The best early Prime Day outdoor deals: Yeti, Stanley, Jackery, and more
The Mueller report is here and so are the 'Harm to Ongoing Matter' memes
Nintendo, why is this person stepping on Toad?
Pete Buttigieg's new influencer handbook is an extremely online way to campaign
Great white shark leaps into tiny boat, fisherman treats it like NBD
Children who play video games might have better cognitive performance, study shows
Apple may be working on a massive new iPad
Children who play video games might have better cognitive performance, study shows
Best MacBook deal: Save $200 on 2024 M3 MacBook Air
Janelle Monáe at Coachella will be your new friendship meme
Is Scotch Tape Scottish? by Sadie Stein“A Reverse Fahrenheit 451,” and Other News by Sadie SteinWhat are password managers, how to pick the best one'Maggie Moore(s)' review: Jon Hamm and Tina Fey shine in this offbeat true crime comedyLuljeta Lleshanaku, Kruja, Albania by Matteo PericoliTiffany Trump and Matt Gaetz's awkward friendship is creepin' folks outWordle today: Here's the answer and hints for June 15Twitter appears to be trolling Trump's account after the Biden callHappy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln by Sadie SteinO Tempora! And Other News by Sadie SteinThis 'Succession' plot hole could lead to a Season 5“A Reverse Fahrenheit 451,” and Other News by Sadie SteinDigital Diary, and Other News by Sadie Stein“A Reverse Fahrenheit 451,” and Other News by Sadie SteinDear Enemy by Sadie SteinNabokov Museum Vandalized, and Other News by Sadie SteinWhen You Need Ten Feet of Books... by Sadie SteinHear That Lonesome Gasket Blow: Part 1 by Evan JamesWhat to Read on a Stormy Weekend by Sadie SteinLetter from Berlin: In the Cut by Zeke Turner USA vs Wales livestream: How to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 Group B Khloe Kardashian escorted a starstruck superfan to his prom DuckDuckGo adds App Tracking Protection for all Android users Cool English teacher asked her students to make memes. They delivered. Gavin Grimm hopes his lawsuit will be a victory for all trans students Don't worry, that 360 Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for November 22 No, FTX didn't funnel Ukraine aid to Democratic candidates FIFA World Cup offside calls determined with sensor 'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for November 17 Keanu Reeves walking to music in slow Woman captures perfect photo of a seagull brazenly stealing a lobster roll right out of her hand Charli XCX and Diplo ride animated dolphins in new 'Spicy' video 3 ways to modernize 'Pokémon' after 'Scarlet & Violet' How internet ghost stories take on a life of their own The 10 best state Instagram accounts Instagram lets you see what it thinks you like, and the results are bizarre YouTube won't take action on videos that target a reporter's race and sexuality Please enjoy a wide selection of riffs on Keanu Reeves's name Donald Trump angrily tweets about London's mayor, gets some brutal replies