The HN crowd hates passwordless sign ins but most of us actually know how to keep our passwords secure, at least relative to the average user. Non-techies have their passwords leaked and identities stolen time and time again. And get frustrated when they keep forgetting their password. Biometric passwords are
incredibly useful for these people.
Of course Apple, Google, Microsoft have to keep non-biometric password authentication. Otherwise a lot of people (including me) will have to simply stop using their products, not even because of privacy, just because I doubt a Linux computer without a camera or old iPhone model will work for them.
Some argue that users without biometric authentication will be flagged suspicious and pressured to hand over biometric data. But honestly, I think so many people will stick to regular passwords, and more will be physically unable to use biometric passwords, so it won’t work.
Overall I think having the option to use biometric authentication is a net positive. Companies want them to get user data, but non-technical people want them because (when done right) they’re a lot easier and more secure than passwords.
Of course Apple, Google, Microsoft have to keep non-biometric password authentication. Otherwise a lot of people (including me) will have to simply stop using their products, not even because of privacy, just because I doubt a Linux computer without a camera or old iPhone model will work for them.
Some argue that users without biometric authentication will be flagged suspicious and pressured to hand over biometric data. But honestly, I think so many people will stick to regular passwords, and more will be physically unable to use biometric passwords, so it won’t work.
Overall I think having the option to use biometric authentication is a net positive. Companies want them to get user data, but non-technical people want them because (when done right) they’re a lot easier and more secure than passwords.