Identity verification

Abstract

An identity verification system enables the identity of an individual to be verified to others using the internet. An initial identification ceremony is recorded in which the user performs instructions that cannot be known in advance, such as reading text that cannot be anticipated. The initial ceremony can be replayed and authenticated by individuals who already personally know the user. Alternatively, the identity of the user in the initial ceremony can be authenticated using other existing techniques such as KBA. A secondary instruction ceremony is subsequently performed when identity verification is required in order to authorize a directive or transaction. In the secondary instruction ceremony the user performs unforeseeable instructions such as reading text that cannot be anticipated and reading aloud an indication of the transaction. The combination of (a) a visual check that the two samples were recorded by the same person and (b) in the second sample the user performs the requested instruction text gives a high degree of confidence that the person authorized the indicated directive or transaction.