Market map / Identity proofing
CLEAR
A member-based biometric identity network for physical access, extended to CLEAR1 (formerly CLEAR Verified) for reusable online identity verification.
- Category
- Reusable biometric identity network
- Lane
- Identity proofing
- Founded
- 2003 (relaunched 2010)
- Ownership
- Public (NYSE: YOU)
- HQ
- New York, US
Summary
CLEAR (Clear Secure, Inc.) built a consumer biometric identity network used to speed screening at airports, stadiums, and venues, then extended it into the enterprise with CLEAR1, which combines selfie biometrics with document and multi-signal checks for onboarding, account recovery, and access. Its differentiator is a large pool of already-verified members whose identity can be reused across participating relying parties.
Best for
Enterprises wanting high-assurance, biometric-backed reusable identity for onboarding, KYC, recovery, and age checks, especially to tap CLEAR's verified-member base.
Consider if
Your users are largely outside the US, where the member-reuse network effect is weaker.
Strengths
- Large pre-verified member base enabling returning-user reuse
- High-assurance selfie biometrics plus document and multi-signal checks
- Established enterprise integrations (e.g., Microsoft Entra)
Considerations
- Biometric/facial-recognition model draws privacy scrutiny
- Brand and member-reuse advantage concentrated in the US