Google Play users warned of biometric verification change
Google is sending emails to users notifying them about upcoming changes to the security settings for purchase verification on mobile devices. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and aim to enhance the security of Google Play purchases. The changes follow a recent verification update for Google Wallet users. Within that email, though, is a warning for all users looking to verify purchases using biometrics on their smartphone.
Google Makes Changes To Google Play Biometric Verification
On the afternoon of April 18, I received an email from Google informing me that it’s possible to configure Google Play purchase verification to use biometrics on suitably equipped smartphones. “If you set biometrics,” the email stated, “it means that you’ll be asked to verify that it’s you with biometrics each time that you make a purchase through Google Play.”
Google Play warns users of biometric device over-sharing
These settings, Google said, “only apply to purchases made through Google Play’s billing system.” When enabling the purchase verification biometric option, your Google Account password will no longer be required to confirm the configuration change. Instead, your fingerprint or face will be used.
Use Caution If Your Kids Have Their Fingerprints On Your Phone
This new Google Play email warns that the changes will be rolling out in the coming weeks and that Android owners should use caution if storing biometrics of children or others on their devices. “If you share your device and choose biometrics as your verification method,” Google said, “ensure that you’re comfortable with all biometrics stored on your device being used for verification.” Otherwise you could be leaving the door open for anyone with those fingerprints or faces stored on your phone being able to pass purchase verification protections.
Google Wallet Gets More Like Apple With Tap-To-Pay
This follows recent news reports that new security settings for Google Wallet will also enable biometric verification as a requirement for every purchase. The verify it’s you alert will also pop-up if using Wallet three minutes after you unlock your device. This will sound familiar to iPhone users as Apple Pay requires authentication before any tap-to-pay transaction. Android users will be able disable verification when using the default transit card, even if the phone is locked.
Transit cards can skip verification