Google Promotes Passkeys to Replace Traditional Passwords

Google is taking steps to eliminate the need for traditional passwords by introducing passkeys, which will enable users to unlock their accounts and devices using fingerprint recognition, face scans, or PIN numbers. The tech giant has advocated for the use of passkeys since May and recently announced that this technology will be the primary choice during password creation.

Google believes that passkeys offer a more secure, user-friendly, and easier-to-remember alternative to traditional passwords. In a blog post, the company stated its intention to promote the adoption of passkeys throughout the industry with the goal of eventually rendering passwords obsolete.

While Google will continue to support conventional passwords, users who wish to do so can opt out of using passkeys by disabling the “skip password when possible” feature in their accounts. Currently, passkeys are available as password alternatives for several apps, including YouTube, Search, Maps, Uber, and eBay. WhatsApp is also in the process of adding passkey capability, as noted in the blog post.

The FIDO Alliance, a security consortium with numerous tech companies as members, previously established standards for passkeys. Companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google have been collaborating to bring passkeys into practical use. Apple introduced its passkey option with iOS 16, making it applicable across various apps, including Apple Wallet. Passkey support was initially implemented on Chrome and Android devices in October 2022.