What are the levels of the presence factor (PP.a to PP.d) in identity proofing?
PP.a no presence; PP.b online (over a network such as the internet or telephone); PP.c virtual in person (online plus real-time audiovisual communication); PP.d in person (physically present).
The questions: In what form is the applicant present at identification? Can it be established that the natural person exists and is personally present?
| Value | Presence | Example |
|---|---|---|
| PP.a | None | A web form filled in by anyone, anywhere |
| PP.b | Online | Uploading a photo of an ID card and a selfie in an app, or a phone call |
| PP.c | Virtual in person | A live video call with an agent who watches the applicant turn the ID card and compares the face |
| PP.d | In person | Showing up at a counter, post office or passport office |
The step from PP.b to PP.c matters because live, interactive video lets a trained operator react: ask the person to tilt the document so holograms show, look for signs of a deepfake, ask unexpected questions. Swiss financial regulation, for example, allows banks to onboard clients by video and online identification under FINMA Circular 2016/7, and its revision in force from 1 November 2026 also admits the Swiss E-ID for this.
Go deeper:
ENISA: Remote ID Proofing (2021) — the common remote methods (video, selfie plus document, eID) and their risks.- FINMA: partially revised Circular 2016/7 "Video and online identification" — the Swiss rules for remote onboarding, revised to admit the E-ID from November 2026.