#Japan #Tokyo #KDDI #povo #LIQUID eKYC

Introduction

In a significant technological advancement, Liquid Inc. has partnered with KDDI and Okinawa Cellular to provide an online identity verification service called "LIQUID eKYC" for KDDI's povo 2.0 mobile plan. This new online verification method combines IC chip reading and facial recognition technology, enabling a more robust verification process compared to traditional methods that rely on photographs.

Background

The rise of sophisticated scams utilizing mobile phones has become increasingly concerning. According to the National Police Agency, the number of recognized special fraud cases has surged, with a 10.2% increase noted in 2024 compared to the previous year, resulting in almost 721.5 billion yen in financial losses. The tactics employed by scammers have evolved, with intricate counterfeit documents and deepfake technologies making identity verification challenging.

How LIQUID eKYC Works

The LIQUID eKYC service streamlines the verification process when signing up for povo 2.0 by allowing users to choose from multiple identity verification methods:
1. IC Chip Reading + Facial Recognition: This method verifies the customer by cross-referencing a selfie with the data stored on their My Number card's IC chip.
2. IC Chip Reading (Public Personal Authentication / JPKI): This approach requires reading the IC chip from the My Number card and using a public authentication service provided by local government agencies. A PIN is required for this method.

Benefits of Implementation

• - Reduced Verification Load: Utilizing IC chip technology automates the verification process, minimizing the need for manual visual checks that were previously necessary with photo verification.
• - Fraud Prevention through Advanced Technology: The service employs digital signature verification to ensure that the information on the IC chip remains unaltered, while facial recognition helps confirm the legitimacy of the ID presented.
• - Improved User Convenience: Customers benefit from the elimination of the need to input basic identification information such as name, address, birth date, and gender. Moreover, no selfies or document uploads are required when employing the second method of verification.

About povo 2.0

Povo 2.0 is an online-only mobile service brand powered by au. Users enjoy zero monthly fees, no cancellation charges, and no administrative fees, all while being supported by au's reliable high-speed 5G network. It's a flexible plan allowing users to purchase gigabytes according to their usage, promoting a waste-free experience tailored to individual lifestyles. Additional perks include the collaboration topping services and the "povo Data Oasis," which allows current subscribers to recharge their data for free.

About LIQUID eKYC

LIQUID eKYC has been recognized as the market leader in eKYC services for six consecutive years. It is a comprehensive solution designed for online identification verification during various activities such as contracts, account registrations, and account openings. Liquid Inc. showcases its strengths in implementing AI technologies, biometric systems, and optical character recognition (OCR) techniques, thus ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience with low drop-off rates from the verification process. To date, LIQUID has successfully completed approximately 130 million identity verifications for about 600 corporate clients.

About Liquid Inc.

Founded in December 2018 and based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Liquid Inc. aims to create a frictionless society where approximately 8 billion people can safely and conveniently access various services using biometric technology. The organization remains committed to combating fraud in diverse sectors such as telecommunication contracts and online marketplaces by providing cross-sector verification systems.

For more information about Liquid's services, visit LIQUID eKYC and explore the complete overview of their security and verification solutions.

Conclusion

The partnership between Liquid, KDDI, and Okinawa Cellular represents a significant leap in mobile communications and online identity verification. As the threat of identity fraud continues to grow, innovations such as LIQUID eKYC play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of mobile users in Japan and beyond.