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Is there an absolute requirement to be able to demonstrate your identity over the phone even if you have no secret information with which to confirm it? How ab
by mikeash 8y ago
Is there an absolute requirement to be able to demonstrate your identity over the phone even if you have no secret information with which to confirm it?
How about, if you forget your password and can’t get into your account, you need to visit a store in person to show your ID, or mail in a notarized copy, or something like that?
- slg 8y agoRequiring customers to come to a store would basically exclude anyone from accessing their account outside the retail footprint of the company. That isn't realistic for companies that are trying to provide you a global service like most telecoms. It also introduces plenty of other problems. For example, if you are mugged on the street and lose your phone and wallet are you just frozen out of your mobile account until you can get to the DMV and wait the month until you get a new ID? It is a hard problem that can't just be fixed by "taking it seriously".
- mikeash 8y agoPhysical presence wouldn’t be required unless you forgot your credentials. If you are mugged and forgot your password, then you’d be screwed. I’m not sure how reasonable it is to try to make that particular situation better though.