What is ARGOS’ role as an identity authentication service providers?

In today's digital environment, a user often creates more than one account on the same service or platform. This is called “multiple accounts.” Multiple accounts undermine the fairness of the service and also pose security risks. ​

Today, we will introduce the reasons why users create multiple accounts and the issues that come along with them, and look at “Why should multiple accounts be blocked?”

We will also introduce what solutions ARGOS provides to resolve the risk of multiple accounts.

Why do users create multiple accounts?

Although it cannot be generalized because there are various factors that lead service users to create multiple accounts, there are common reasons for creating multiple accounts. ​

For example, common examples include creating a sub-account on SNS and using it for personal purposes, and using it for marketing purposes for personal branding.

In addition, it can be used to develop multiple characters in online games. ​ Their common reasons include the purpose of creating multiple accounts to gain more benefits and the purpose of protecting personal information by distributing accounts.

Why should I block multiple accounts?

So why should a company operating a service or platform block the creation of multiple accounts? This is because when multiple accounts are created, there are cases of abuse in various ways.

Actual abuse cases have occurred on platforms that offer multiple account creation. The above features were exploited to bypass the platform's controls to obtain better commission rates and higher API limits.

Ultimately, the purpose is to obtain more benefits as mentioned above. ​ If you create additional multiple accounts, problems such as difficulty in securing the correct number of users and data, decreased service reliability, resource shortage due to increased server load, and decreased quality may occur. ​

To prevent such malicious access and subsequent problems, it is important to prevent multiple accounts from being created in advance.

Why is it difficult to block multiple accounts?

For the above reasons, companies may have attempted to block users from creating multiple accounts. There are limitations for companies.

First, from a company's perspective, increasing the number of service users is important as it is linked to sales. If the creation of multiple accounts is restricted, it may create a hurdle for service users and increase the churn rate.

On the technical side, as security advances, the number of ways to circumvent it is also increasing, such as using a VPN or proxy server to change your IP address or create an account with a virtual phone number, address, or email. ​

Therefore, companies have limitations due to lack of resources to spend additional time and money on creating multiple accounts each time. ​

How can I prevent users from creating multiple accounts?-identity authentication service provider's role

So how can companies block the creation of multiple accounts? ​

Since it is difficult to block all multiple accounts with one method, it is efficient to reduce the possibility of creating multiple accounts as much as possible by applying service operation policies and development together.

First, the rules for creating multiple accounts are specified in the service terms and conditions, and if these are violated, measures such as account suspension are taken. In addition, there are ways to introduce a system such as giving rewards when multiple accounts are discovered, or to monitor account creation activities on a regular basis.

On the development side, we are introducing technology to detect and limit the creation of multiple accounts from the same IP address, or to detect and block the use of VPNs and proxy servers. In addition, there is a way to strengthen the account creation process by applying account procedures step by step, such as two-factor authentication, like Google uses two-step authentication.

How can ARGOS block multiple accounts? - ekyc solutions

ARGOS supports the 'one person, one account' principle to solve the problems described above, and is creating various methods to effectively support this. In particular, eKYC (non-face-to-face identity authentication) plays an important role in preventing the creation of multiple accounts. ​

◆ Pre-blocking method for creating multiple accounts

The way ARGOS prevents the creation of multiple accounts in advance is as follows.

① Email address blocking: ARGOS prohibits activating multiple accounts with the same email address. For example, when ABCD with the email address ABCD_example@gmail.com attempts to create a new account, the system recognizes that the email is already registered and blocks the account creation. This effectively prevents users from creating multiple accounts. ​

② IP address blocking: Restricts activating multiple accounts with the same IP address. For example, when ABCD attempts to create a second account over a home Internet connection, the ARGOS system detects and blocks multiple account creation attempts from the same IP address. Blocking an IP address is effective in blocking attempts to create multiple accounts in the same network environment. ​

③ Block local storage: Prevents the creation of multiple accounts using the same device. When a registered user attempts to create a second account after creating the first account on the same phone, the browser's local storage is checked to recognize that the device already has an account activated and the creation of additional accounts is blocked. ​

These methods go a long way in preventing one user from using multiple accounts through the same device. In addition, you can block it using your resident registration number, automatic verification, etc. For more information, you can check the ARGOS guide at the link below. ​

◆ Post-blocking method for multiple account creation

Next, ARGOS blocks existing and new account holders using eKYC and Selfie information. ARGOS verifies that the new account owner is the same as the previous account owner based on the final verified identity information. If a user enters the same information such as name, date of birth, address, etc. while creating a new account, the system verifies that the user is the same person by comparing the information of the existing registered account and blocks the account creation.

When a user submits a selfie to create an account, the system compares the selfie information of existing registered accounts to determine if they are the same person. If the account is identified as the same person through facial recognition technology, account creation will be blocked.

◆ Importance of eKYC solutions

eKYC (non-face-to-face identity verification) plays an important role in preventing the creation of multiple accounts. Through identity verification, it is possible to check whether the user is actually the same and does not have multiple accounts, and through this, companies can increase the level of reliability, fairness, and service security. ​

Securing reliability: Securing the reliability of the system by accurately verifying the user’s identity

Maintain fairness: Maintain fairness in services by preventing one person from creating multiple accounts and monopolizing benefits.

Securing reliability: Securing the reliability of the system by accurately verifying the user’s identity

Today, we looked at what multiple accounts are, the problems that come with them, and how to solve them.

ARGOS effectively prevents the creation of multiple accounts by pre-blocking through email, IP address, and local storage inspection, and by post-confirmation through identity and selfie information. Through this, ARGOS provides fair and safe services and improves user experience. ​ ARGOS will continue to provide better services through continuous improvement.