Google is aiming to render passwords obsolete by encouraging users to establish passkeys for accessing accounts and devices via methods like fingerprint, face scan, or pin number.
On Tuesday, Google stated that passkeys eliminate the need for users to remember passwords, offer faster access, and potentially provide enhanced security. Although the company initially introduced support for passkeys in May, they recently announced in a blog post that users will now receive prompts to utilize this option in lieu of traditional passwords.
“We’ll continue encouraging the industry to make the pivot to passkeys — making passwords a rarity, and eventually obsolete,” Google wrote.
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Google will still uphold traditional password methods, and users have the option to bypass passkeys entirely by deactivating the "skip password when possible" feature in their accounts.
Passkeys are now available as substitutes for passwords in various applications, including YouTube, Search, Maps, Uber, and eBay. Additionally, WhatsApp is in the process of incorporating this functionality, as mentioned in the blog.
The FIDO Alliance, a security consortium with numerous tech industry members, initially established standards for passkeys. Subsequently, Microsoft, Apple, and Google collaborated to actualize passkey implementation.
Apple introduced its passkey feature with the launch of iOS 16, enabling users to utilize this technology across various apps, including Apple Wallet. Passkey support was initially integrated into Chrome and Android devices in October 2022.
