Mercari Users Raise Alarm Over Forced Biometric Verification Through Jumio
Mercari US users are sounding the alarm about new security protocols forcing biometric verification in partnership with Jumio.
While marketplace sellers have begrudgingly become accustomed to identity verification requirements due to the INFORM Consumers Act and other legislation/regulations, Mercari appears to be taking things even further and forcing buyers to undergo invasive security procedures before completing a purchase or even contacting a seller, according to multiple recent posts on Reddit.
PSA: Mercari Is Forcing Biometric ID Verification Through Jumio—AFTER You Make a Purchase
Hey folks, just wanted to share something deeply concerning I experienced with Mercari this week.
I’ve had a Mercari account in good standing for years. I recently made a $550 purchase, and immediately afterward, when I tried to message the seller, the app suddenly locked me out and demanded government ID verification through Jumio.
This wasn’t optional. The only way to access my purchase or even contact the seller was to submit a photo of my government ID and perform a real-time facial scan using Jumio’s biometric identity software.
I refused and opted to leave Mercari.
I literally experienced this just yesterday - was forced to do this in order to correspond with a seller who sent me a message after I made a purchase. It would not let me reply without going through the verification, even though it says it's only needed for instant payments, and I've never sold on Mercari or even listed an item for sale.
I can’t send a message without uploading my ID and agreeing to allow sharing my info
Over the past couple days, every time I try to ask a seller a question, I am blocked because I haven’t uploaded by ID. I don’t mind submitting my DL to verify my ID, but it looks like Mercari can share my information with others. Thoughts?
Privacy-conscious user concerns are certainly understandable, especially considering that Jumio has faced multiple lawsuits for alleged violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) of Illinois - including one that ended up in a $7 Million settlement.
Bianca Gonzalez
The moves comes on the heels of ongoing site security issues for Mercari, including ongoing massive phishing attacks using the onsite messaging system, ironically trying to trick users into compromising bank account and identity information through a fake verification scam.
Liz Morton
Mercari told investors earlier this year that they are focusing on improving the product experience for both buyers and sellers in the US, with increasing trust and security to address fraudulent use of the platform explicitly called out as a top priority and "core product enhancement."
Liz Morton
While it's true that trust and safety are critical to marketplace growth, there's a world of difference between making buyers feel like they are shopping in a secure environment and forcing them to undergo intrusive and possibly privacy compromising biometric verification - and the way Mercari is going about this so far seems to be much more likely to chase buyers away than convince them to continue transacting on the site.
It's not entirely clear if Mercari will eventually only require verification for buyers and sellers of higher value items, but those posting on Reddit say they were told by Mercari support it will eventually rollout to all users.
Have you been forced by Mercari to verify your identity through Jumio? Let us know in the comments below!
