Data and Privacy During ID Verification

Who will be able to see my ID?

As the ID verification process is automated and done using AI (artificial intelligence), no one will see your ID information.

What happens to my ID data?

Your ID document is shared with Sumsub. They run an automatic (and manual check if AI can't verify ID) on your ID document and return information about the match to FutureLearn.


Apart from sharing your information with Sumsub to carry out the ID verification, none of the information you submit will be shared with anyone outside FutureLearn unless you give your permission. Your details will be automatically checked and – if verified – only your document type and country of origin will be stored.

Beyond this, FutureLearn will privately store only the document type and country of origin from successful ID verification attempts.  Your document name will only be shown to you in your profile. In the case where you plan to continue your studies with a University partner, you will be given the option to share this document name with the University. This is so that they know it’s still you, and can recognise your learning on FutureLearn.

Please don't send your documents to the support team! If you send a copy of your identity documents to any FutureLearn email address, they will be permanently deleted immediately as we can't process them.

Is my identity information secure?

Yes. Your information is transferred over secure, encrypted HTTPS at all times and Sumsub are certified according to industry standards. You can find out more about their approach to security on their website.

Is ID verification mandatory?

If you're taking a microcredential or a degree for academic or professional credit, you must verify your identity so partners can issue your credit.

How much does ID verification cost?

Once you enrol on a microcredential or a degree, verifying your identity is free.

Who is behind the ID verification?

The company behind this ID verification is called Sumsub. Sumsub specialises in ID recognition and has developed a secure mechanism to verify IDs online.

How long does it take to verify my ID?


This process can take between 5 seconds and 4 minutes depending on the options selected and the quality of lighting, camera resolution and ID type selected.