Online social media platform Facebook, which recently declared its plan to rank new sites by trustworthiness, has acquired a biometric ID verification startup named Confirm that specializes in remotely verifying IDs like drivers licenses. This startup offers an application programming interface (API) that helps verify government-issued identification cards.

To minimize Fake Profiles

Facebook’s acquisition, for which financial details were not disclosed, is part of the company’s effort to minimize the presence of fake profiles on its platform.

“We are excited to welcome the Confirm team to Facebook. Their technology and expertise will support our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe,” Facebook told TechCrunch.

Running Small Test in India

In India, Facebook has run a small test with users to enter their names according to the names mentioned in Aadhaar, so as to help them sign up to the social network with their real names and connect with friends and family.

“The test, which has now finished, merely includes additional language on the account sign-up page to explain that using their Aadhaar name will help family and friends recognize them,” Facebook said in a statement.