Video-Ident procedure - how verification works

Video-Ident stands for video identification and means a procedure in which you confirm your identity via video. The procedure is used, for example, when buying new sim cards to confirm a customer's data. You are connected to an employee via video chat.

How does the Video-Ident procedure work?

If you want to use the Video-Ident procedure, you don't have to drive somewhere first. A simple smartphone with a camera is already enough to confirm your identity. You will also need your identification card. The camera should also provide a reasonably decent picture, as the employee will need to take a photo of you and your ID.

1. Most of the time, the Video-Ident process works pretty much the same way, no matter which company you want to confirm your identity with.
2. You connect to an employee and they instruct you to hold your ID up to the camera.
3. After that, you still have to show yourself, so that it can be confirmed that it is really yourself.
4. Eventually, you will be sent afterwards still a code via SMS or e-mail, which you must then confirm.

Generally, the video-ident procedure is considered safe, but a 100% data security is never given. Befindet sich bereits Schadsoftware auf Ihrem PC, kann diese den Videostream eventuell mitverfolgen und dabei Ihre Daten mitschneiden.