That has a very high probability of convincing me not to use that app or service.
I'm imagining inserting a face-swap program into the software stack powering the webcam. I know it's technically feasible with Video4Linux.
this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2025
47 points (100.0% liked)
Privacy
43982 readers
1037 users here now
A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.
Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.
In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.
Some Rules
- Posting a link to a website containing tracking isn't great, if contents of the website are behind a paywall maybe copy them into the post
- Don't promote proprietary software
- Try to keep things on topic
- If you have a question, please try searching for previous discussions, maybe it has already been answered
- Reposts are fine, but should have at least a couple of weeks in between so that the post can reach a new audience
- Be nice :)
Related communities
much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)
founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
I have not used a service with this requirement, and will refuse to at any point. Self hosting, open source, offline.
Many online services derive value from the critical mass of users they home. This plus financial apps would include virtually all instances where facial images are required for security purposes. Self-hosting cannot solve this problem for you, you are effectively saying you will refrain from using these social and financial services at all.
Kojima San to the rescue
You should in the first place avoid them, but if it's necessary :
https://thispersondoesnotexist.com/
Could work
If it's something like a bank or the government which already know my real identity then I don't really care. For anything else, then I just don't use the service.
I've never provided a selfie and I never will. When it's demanded, I find another service.
The last time I selfie was demanded was when I attempted to sign up for an online bank, Simplii Financial. SF wanted a selfie and my ID. SF used to have a physical locations one could go to for opening an account. Now it's all online.
In the US, some of the government sites require verification through id.me now
Another reason I'm glad I don't live there.
I don't use apps or services that require a photo, video of myself, upload of my ID, etc.
I feel like this is a superstitious resistance. My face is the least sensitive identifying factor I have. My email address is more sensitive than my face!!!
When people are identified and arrested based on photos and videos, you don't think it's a serious concern? You can always change your email address. You can't change your face easily or cheaply.
Depends on what kind of services... if it's ESTA, visa, official documents basically, or KYC from a bank, well yes, if there is no better way (e.g. cryptographic signature via physical ID card with chip) then I'll do it.
If it's for a random Website they can fuck off.
Unless it is something absolutely necessary like a bank app or something which I haven't run into requirements for then I'd stay away from those types of apps and services.
Like if it is social media then I can live without it. Discord had those leaks from verification so even more reason to just stay away if frivolous apps or services like that ask for it.
On your ID/pass and maybe your CV. Nowhere else.
I've only experienced anything like this once, and it was while trying to sign up for a popular cash (payment) app. I noped the fuck out.
Never tested, but what about having a second phone with those filters that change your appearance, and then you point your camera on its screen?
I'd look for an alternative. Failing that, I would try every trick to fake that selfie.
What are you using that requires a selfie? I can't think of any services or apps I use that require a selfie. It can't be that hard to avoid if I've never encountered one.
If I want to partake in the carting club in my local community I need an image of my face. That would be one.
It is commonly used for AML and other user-verification purposes.
I don't care as much about privacy...
I deleted my PayPal account as they asked me for a KYC video.
That's just ID theft waiting to happen.
So what do you use instead of it?
Open to ideas for alternatives.
I had opened it with the intent of using it for receiving money, but didn't really need it until just recently.
So, just waiting until I actually end up requiring to receive payments, to open an account somewhere.
As far as KYC goes, the payment processor should ask the Bank (the one that I am connecting to the account) to verify my identity.
I can then login to the bank via the respective bank's website, find an entry with the PayPal account no. and be able to Authorise the request.
That way, PayPal knows that I am a legitimate account holder, without requiring to make my videos.
Also, casual videos should not be considered a valid method of verification anywhere.
If the service has legitimate reasons, like it is a web hosting company or something governmental, then why not. If it is a social network, a game or the like, I will simply not use it.
Using services of a hosting company is something very serious, because the stakes are high, both in costs and in legal responsibility, so most likely you will need to prove your identity. Some companies will even require a meeting to sign a contract.
How is it legit for a hosting company tp demand a selfie!? Is that a thing now? I had multiple hosting accounts and never encontered anything more than requirement to add a credit card
Because users need to be accountable for how they use their services, like hosting phishing websites, sending massive spam or scam campaigns. They would ask for a selfie, not stored, to match it with an ID.
Not all hosting providers do ask for ID. A credit card is not enough to prove identity because you can use virtual anonymous ones.
Any example of one that requires it (so I know what not to use)?
Hetzner
It's hard to trust organizations to store digital data (including selfie photos) without leaking. Even without leaks, the data is still has the possibility to be accessed by members of the organization, their vendors and auditors. Will everyone use the data only for the intended purpose? I can't be certain so I'd like to push back on these kind of requirements when I'm able.
Respectable ones, do not store them, they just check them live. If they do, then they open the door for problems.
I have never had a web host ask me to prove my identity, and I would probably pick a different one if they did.
They do have my credit card number though, so I'm far from anonymous.