Provision record
Squarespace · Squarespace Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Biometric Identity Verification via Third-Party Vendor

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Document Record

What it is

Squarespace Payments users may be required to submit a selfie photograph and a government-issued identity document; a third-party vendor then creates a biometric facial geometry scan to compare the two images for identity verification. The policy states that Squarespace itself does not create, store, or access the resulting biometric data.

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This analysis describes what Squarespace's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision discloses that a third-party vendor processes biometric data derived from user-submitted photographs and government documents, with the vendor's data practices governed outside this policy. The scope of vendor obligations regarding biometric data retention, deletion, and onward transfer is not detailed in this document.

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Interpretive note: The policy asserts Squarespace does not create or store biometric data, but whether this assertion fully resolves legal obligations under BIPA or GDPR when Squarespace directs vendor processing depends on jurisdiction-specific interpretation and enforcement context.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, Payments Services users who are required to complete identity verification must submit photographs and government identity documents that a vendor uses to generate biometric scan data. The agreement states that Squarespace does not retain or access this biometric data, but the vendor's handling is governed by separate agreements not reproduced here.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Contact Squarespace using the contact information in Section 13 of the Privacy Policy to request information about or deletion of data held in connection with identity verification. Note that vendor-held biometric data is governed by the vendor's own policies.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Biometric Identity Verification via Third-Party Vendor and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
If you use the Payments Services, you may be required to provide us with additional information to verify your identity, including a photograph of you captured by you during the verification process and a copy of an official government document which includes a different photograph of you. When you're required to provide this additional information, our vendors may create a biometric scan of your facial geometry based on these two photographs in order to compare them and verify that you are the same individual whose photograph is on your government document. However, Squarespace does not create, store or otherwise have access to any such biometric data.

Excerpt from Squarespace's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

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Insight

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Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Provision details

Document information
Document
Squarespace Privacy Policy
Entity
Squarespace
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 8, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-015891
Document ID
CA-D-00569
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
4d0fdac989cde08913388cc69bbdc08553f27ce77e8ac17f5ccbfa0a1c46e86e
Analysis generated
May 8, 2026 14:38 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Squarespace
Document: Squarespace Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-015891
Captured: 2026-05-08 14:38:54 UTC
SHA-256: 4d0fdac989cde089…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/squarespace/squarespace-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-015891/biometric-identity-verification-via-third-party-vendor/
Accessed: Sept. 26, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Squarespace's Biometric Identity Verification via Third-Party Vendor clause do?

This provision discloses that a third-party vendor processes biometric data derived from user-submitted photographs and government documents, with the vendor's data practices governed outside this policy. The scope of vendor obligations regarding biometric data retention, deletion, and onward transfer is not detailed in this document.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, Payments Services users who are required to complete identity verification must submit photographs and government identity documents that a vendor uses to generate biometric scan data. The agreement states that Squarespace does not retain or access this biometric data, but the vendor's handling is governed by separate agreements not reproduced here.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Squarespace?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Squarespace.