In some parts of the world where mobile internet might not be widely available, or where people might not have the need for emails, how does one create a username to log into a website/service securely? Well using a phone number is one way, and Nexmo is hoping that more developers will take advantage of their “Verify” tool which was launched today.
The program will formally launch in November but developers who are interested can take part in an early-release program. The idea behind Verify is to allow developers to introduce a feature in apps that will confirm phone numbers, which in turn will help verify the identity of its users. There are some services that use phone numbers as verification, such as LINE and WhatsApp, especially when you’re trying to switch to a new phone or have reinstalled the app after a format.
If this sounds familiar, it is because Twitter has recently announced a similar service called Digits. The idea is to use the phone number as a login tool in which a one-time code will be sent to the user’s phone number to allow them to log into services or websites. Not only is this more secure as the code is good for one use, but it will appeal to emerging markets where email addresses aren’t as common.
However if there is a key difference between Nexmo’s Verify and Twitter’s Digits is that the former will leverage their existing work with carriers, which means that their Verify tool could work in markets that don’t support SMS. Nexmo also noted that with 65% of global phone verification attempts are successful, there is plenty of space for both Verify and Digits to exist.
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