Why do I need a special / late-model hardware to use Internet Identity?

Currently, Webauthn is not supported. Therefore, Windows computers running on anything before Windows 10 require the use of a security key that supports Fido U2F to use the Internet Identity. DFINITY does not sell these keys.

The Firefox browser will only accept a security key for both authentication and for device/browser authorization.

All other users do not need to have a device with biometrics to use the Internet Identity. There should be an option to use the computer screen unlock passcode, laptop fingerprint scanner, and/or phone screen unlock, face recognition, and pin code. The screen unlock feature must be active on the device for that option to be available.