With the growing use of biometric security, experts have warned that the popular “V” sign in selfies could lead to fingerprint theft.
The gesture, widely regarded as a symbol of victory and peace, involves raising the index and middle fingers outward and has long remained part of global popular culture. However, security specialists have now cautioned against its use, saying high-resolution cameras and advanced artificial intelligence software have increased the risk of fingerprints being copied and biometric security systems being bypassed.
Chinese security expert Li Chang highlighted the issue during a reality television programme last month, using a celebrity selfie as an example to demonstrate how clearly fingers appear in photographs featuring the “V” sign and how such images could place personal biometric information at risk.
In his analysis, the Chinese expert explained that if a finger faces directly towards the camera and a close-up image is taken from a distance of less than 1.5 metres, there is a strong possibility that complete fingerprint data could be obtained. He added that selfies were considered particularly risky for this reason.
Li Chang also noted that nearly half of fingerprint details could still be extracted from photographs taken up to three metres away, particularly with the assistance of artificial intelligence software.
During a television broadcast, he surprised viewers by demonstrating how photo-editing software and AI technology could enhance low-resolution images, making fingerprints that previously appeared blurred become highly clear and detailed.
In this regard, cryptography professor Zhang Jiao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said the arrival of high-definition cameras had made it technically possible to recreate detailed hand information, including fingerprints, from simple “V” pose photographs.
After Li Chang’s experiment went viral on social media, concerns over large-scale security breaches increased. However, some experts clarified that stealing fingerprints and using them to defeat biometric security systems was not straightforward. They said factors such as lighting conditions, camera focus and image clarity played a major role, while identity thieves would require multiple images of the same individual to compare fingerprint patterns.
Experts advised that those wishing to protect their biometric data while continuing the habit of making the “V” sign in selfies should blur their fingertips before posting photographs on social media or use digital editing tools to smooth fingerprint details.
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