Identity verification FAQ – Outlier

Outlier provides competitive pay to experts worldwide. To ensure the security of our platform and verify the expertise of our contributors, we utilize a secure identity verification process to establish that everyone possesses the expertise they claim.

Please review the following guidelines to ensure your verification is successful.

Core Platform Policies

One Account Per Person: Your identity may only be linked to a single account. Duplicate accounts are strictly prohibited and will result in permanent deactivation.
Secure Connection: Always use a personal, private Wi-Fi connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi (like those in cafes or libraries) or hotspots, as these can trigger security flags.
Age Requirement: Only people 18 years and older can sign up for our platform. Anyone younger will fail the verification process.
VPNs: Check that any VPN or "Private Relay" mode is turned off on your computer and mobile device before starting.

Document Requirements

Physical ID Only: You must use your original, physical, government-issued ID. Screenshots, digital copies, or photos of your ID will not be accepted.
Local Issuance: The document you use must be issued by the country you are signing up in.
Accepted Documents: These vary by country but generally include Driver’s Licenses, State IDs, Passports, Permanent Resident Cards, and Employment Authorization Cards.
Validity: Ensure your ID is current and not expired.

Tips for a Successful Verification

1. Preparation and Data Matching

Ensure your personal information—including your legal name, country, and date of birth—exactly matches your ID and the data provided during account creation. Even minor discrepancies can cause a verification failure. Once you start, complete all steps promptly without leaving the window open for extended periods.

2. Document Capture

Real-Time Photo: The system requires real-time photo capture; you cannot upload saved pictures from your device.
Environment: Ensure the area is well-lit. Avoid glare and blurriness. The entire document must be visible in the frame.
Video Resource: To help you navigate the process, watch this Persona Walkthrough.

3. Facial Verification (The Selfie)

Follow the Prompts: You must follow the guidelines on the selfie screen exactly. You will be prompted to perform specific poses or face movements, such as turning your face fully to the left and right.
Visibility: Ensure your face is clearly visible. Remove glasses to avoid reflections and ensure your hair or a hat is not obscuring your features.
Match Your ID: Significant changes in appearance (such as hairstyle or facial hair) compared to your ID photo can affect recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I try to verify my identity? You have a total of two rounds to complete your identity verification during sign-up.

Is my data handled securely? Yes. We verify your identity through Persona, which is GDPR and CCPA-compliant. For more information, click here.

Why did my verification link expire? Links sent by the Support team are valid for 24 hours only. If multiple verification attempts expire, we may be unable to send a new link.

What if I fail the verification? You will be unable to finish account creation or task on Outlier. If you were already tasking, you will receive payment for previously completed tasks but will be unable to continue work.

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