ANDROID owners have been told to look out for an important new Google alert in the Play Store.
If you use biometric data – such as your fingerprint or face ID – to verify purchases on your Android phone, you must not ignore this alert.
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Google is currently sending emails to user warning them of upcoming changes to its security settings for Play Store purchases.
“On Google Play, you can set biometrics (fingerprint or face) as your purchase verification method on mobile devices that have biometric capability,” the email stated.
“If you set biometrics, 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.”
Over the next few weeks, the tech giant is set to change how users confirm which biometric input of choice they will go for.
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Before, Android owners were asked to confirm this setting by inputting their Google Account password.
Now customers will rely on their biometric data instead, scanning their fingerprint or face to approve the settings change.
If you use biometrics for purchase verification, use caution in storing biometrics of children or others on your device, as those could be used for purchase verification.
Once you enable the purchase verification biometric option, your Google Account password will no longer be required to confirm the configuration change.
It appears to be yet another phases in Google’s plan to make passwords “obsolete” as the company transitions towards so-called passkeys.
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It follows a recent verification update for Google Wallet users.
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The email also included some general advice for customers who use biometric data for their logins and purchases – but also have children.
“To keep your account secure, turn on purchase verification for every purchase. Avoid sharing passwords with others,” the email stated.
“If you use biometrics for purchase verification, use caution in storing biometrics of children or others on your device, as those could be used for purchase verification.”
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