Meta rolls out ‘Passkey’ login for Facebook users on mobile devices

Meta has unveiled a groundbreaking login solution for Facebook users accessing the platform through mobile devices: passkeys. This innovative feature, which is being rolled out across both iOS and Android systems, is set to enhance user security and convenience. Support for Messenger is expected to follow soon. Passkeys serve as digital credentials that eliminate the need for traditional passwords. Instead, users can authenticate their identities through biometric methods such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or a device PIN. Developed by the FIDO Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving online security, passkeys aim to provide a more secure alternative that combats prevalent cyber threats like phishing and credential theft. Meta emphasizes that passkeys cannot be easily guessed or compromised through malicious websites, making them a robust defense against common hacking techniques, including password spraying. Users can conveniently set up their passkeys via the Accounts Center found in Facebook’s settings, with some users being prompted to create one during their login process. Once established, passkeys offer users a streamlined and secure way to access Facebook on compatible mobile devices. Furthermore, the same passkey will be applicable for Messenger once the feature is launched. Meta also has plans to extend passkey functionality to additional services, including autofilling payment details through Meta Pay and securing encrypted message backups. While passkeys will become the standard login method on supported devices, users will still have the option to log in using traditional passwords on devices that do not yet support this new functionality. Importantly, Meta assures users that all biometric data utilized to create the passkeys remains on the user's device and is neither accessible to nor stored by the company. In separate news, Oakley has partnered with Meta to introduce a new range of AI-enhanced smart glasses tailored for athletes and sports enthusiasts. The Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced 'HOW-stuhn') combines Oakley’s iconic design with Meta’s cutting-edge wearable technology, featuring hands-free camera capabilities, open-ear audio, and integrated AI assistance.