PSD3 & PSR Implications for Passkey Authentication
Tags: cybersecurity, passkeys, psd3, psr
Published: 2024-06-05 07:00:00

## Introduction

Digital payments and authentication are being reshaped by the upcoming PSD3 (Payment Services Directive 3) and PSR (Payment Services Regulation). These regulatory frameworks aim to address the shortcomings of PSD2, enhance security, and embrace technological innovations such as passkeys. Here, we delve into the key aspects and implications of PSD3/PSR on passkey authentication.

**_[Read full blog post here](https://www.corbado.com/blog/psd3-psr-passkeys)_**

## The Transition from PSD2 to PSD3
The European Union initiated a public consultation process in 2022 to gather insights and feedback for revising PSD2. This move reflects the need to tackle emerging challenges in the digital payments sphere, such as increased transaction volumes and sophisticated security threats. A significant shift with PSD3 is its transformation into a regulation (PSR), which ensures uniform application across all member states, eliminating the discrepancies seen with directives.

## Key Differences Between a Directive and a Regulation
Unlike a directive, which allows member states to interpret and implement the rules, a regulation is directly applicable and enforceable. This harmonized approach is designed to create a consistent regulatory environment across Europe, simplifying compliance for businesses operating in multiple countries.

## Current Status and Public Consultation
The PSD3/PSR process is currently in the public consultation phase, engaging stakeholders such as banks, payment service providers (PSPs), consumer groups, and tech companies. This collaborative approach aims to refine the regulation, making it effective and inclusive. Insights from these consultations highlight the need for clearer rules and innovative security measures.

## Changes Introduced by PSD3/PSR for SCA
PSD3/PSR aims to enhance security and user experience by refining Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) protocols. Key changes include:
- **Improved Security Measures:** Clearer guidelines on applying SCA, tighter exemptions based on risk assessments, and integration with new technologies like digital wallets and biometrics.
- **Increased Complexity:** Current SCA implementations can be cumbersome, leading to higher abandonment rates. Simplifying these processes is crucial for better user experience.
- **Technological Innovation:** Addressing concerns over SCA's rigidity, PSD3/PSR aims to embrace innovations like behavioral biometrics and AI, enhancing fraud detection and user convenience.

## Implications for Passkey Authentication
Passkeys represent a significant advancement in authentication technology, offering robust security and resistance to phishing. Under PSD3/PSR, passkeys could play a crucial role in SCA implementations. Here's how:
- **Outsourcing and Delegation:** PSD3/PSR allows PSPs to outsource authentication methods, provided control over the SCA process is retained. Passkeys, created under the PSP's control, fit well within this framework.
- **Biometric Integration:** The use of biometric sensors in smartphones is endorsed, provided they meet security standards. This integration supports a user-friendly and secure authentication process, aligning with the goals of PSD3/PSR.

## Conclusion: A New Era for Digital Authentication
The introduction of PSD3/PSR marks a huge step in the evolution of digital payment regulations. By enhancing security measures and embracing innovative technologies like passkeys, these regulations promise to create a safer and more efficient digital payments ecosystem. While passkeys are not explicitly mentioned in current drafts, their inherent security benefits make them a likely candidate for future inclusion.

For organizations navigating this transition, staying informed and adaptable is key. We are committed to providing timely updates and support to help you integrate passkeys seamlessly in alignment with PSD3/PSR standards.

For more in-depth insights and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit our [full blog post](https://www.corbado.com/blog/psd3-psr-passkeys).