Why Robots Can’t Check ‘I’m Not a Robot’ Boxes

MetaversePlanet September 9, 2024Last Updated: September 9, 2024

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When you try to access a website, you may sometimes be required to prove you’re human by checking the “I’m not a robot” box. But what really happens behind the scenes when you do this? Here’s what actually takes place when you click the “I’m not a robot” box.

While the “I’m not a robot” checkbox might seem like a simple and harmless verification, this seemingly straightforward action triggers a complex background analysis. Though you may think that a single click is enough to prove your humanity, the reality is quite different.

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WHAT IS reCAPTCHA?

The “I’m not a robot” box is a type of CAPTCHA. CAPTCHA stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.” Tasks like typing a distorted word or selecting images that contain traffic lights are examples of CAPTCHAs, designed to prevent bots.

reCAPTCHA, Google’s CAPTCHA program, is used by millions of websites worldwide.

HOW RECAPTCHA WORKS?

Clicking the “I’m not a robot” box doesn’t actually confirm you’re human; the real validation begins before you even click.

When you click the box, the website sends a set of data to Google, which includes tracking your mouse movements leading up to the click (human mouse movements tend to be more random, while bots move in straight lines). It also analyzes your cookies and device history.

Google uses this information to determine whether you’re a human or a bot and assigns you a score. If your score is high enough, you’re granted access to the site. In short, by clicking the “I’m not a robot” box, you’re allowing Google to analyze your online behavior.

CAN AI SOLVE CAPTCHAS?

Ironically, AI robots may be better than humans at proving they are not robots.

A study conducted at the University of California in July 2023 found that AI bots solve CAPTCHAs faster and more accurately than humans. In a comparison involving 1,400 human participants and AI bots, the bots achieved a 99.8% accuracy rate, while humans completed the tests with an accuracy ranging from 50% to 84%.