Pi Network has announced changes to its account verification system and mainnet migration, moving from phone number to email-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
Challenges of Phone Number Verification
Since its inception, Pi Network used phone numbers as primary account identifiers. However, its global audience faced message delivery issues due to various telecom restrictions. "Due to the global distributed nature of the Pi community, SMS communications have not always worked," the blog notes. This increased costs for both users and the network.
Benefits of Email-Based 2FA
Pi Network shifts to email verification to address these issues and enhance security. Two-factor authentication elevates account protection by requiring identity verification via email. The platform also plans to adopt advanced methods like passkeys and biometrics. "The email-based verification not only resolves above challenges but also improves security," explains the Pi blog.
The Road to Implementation
Transitioning from phone to email addresses necessitates significant system changes. Many users had not added or updated emails, complicating migration. Pi Network conducted system checks to confirm user data. The migration process has resumed, allowing users to add trusted emails. "The good news is migrations have resumed and will expand as more 2FA setups complete."
The shift to email-based two-factor authentication marks a key step in ensuring a secure and accessible ecosystem for Pi Network. With the adoption of advanced authentication technologies, Pi Network aims to build user trust and provide a secure environment for engaging in the digital economy.
