Meta Introduces Missed Call Authentication: A Cheaper Way to Verify Accounts

Verifying accounts is an increasingly important part of the digital world. As the number of online accounts grows, so does the need for secure authentication to protect users from malicious actors. Companies have traditionally used SMS-based verification to ensure users are who they say they are, but this process can be costly for the provider and inconvenient for users. Now, Meta has unveiled a new method of authentication that could be both cheaper and more convenient: missed call authentication. 

Meta's missed call authentication utilizes the permissions "call-log access" and "call management" to detect an incoming missed call and use it to verify the user's identity. This eliminates the need for users to manually enter a one-time password (OTP), providing a more seamless and secure login process than SMS. This could help Meta save money on SMS charges while still enabling phone-based verification.  

Currently, missed call authentication is only available on Facebook Lite and is restricted to certain regions. However, Meta plans to expand the technology to other regions and platforms in the near future. This would provide users with a cheaper and more convenient way to authenticate their accounts without sacrificing security. 

The potential cost savings for companies employing missed call authentication could be substantial. Twitter, for example, revealed that its SMS two-factor verification process was costing it over $60 million per year in telco fees. By opting for missed call authentication, companies could avoid such costly overhead fees. 

In conclusion, missed call authentication is an innovative way for companies to reduce costs while still enabling secure authentication for their users. Meta's missed call authentication process could be a game changer for both the provider and users, providing an easy and secure way to verify accounts with minimal hassle. If successfully implemented across multiple regions and platforms, the cost savings for companies could be substantial.