verifikacija

Verifikacija is a term used in several South Slavic languages to denote the process of establishing truth, accuracy, authenticity, or validity of information, data, documents, identities, or systems. It is applied in many domains, from administration and finance to information technology and science.

Origin and usage: The word derives from the Latin root verus meaning true and has entered many languages through the English term verification. In Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Montenegrin, and Slovenian, verifikacija is used similarly to verification in English. The term is sometimes contrasted with validacija (validation).

Contexts and forms: Identity verification (verifikacija identiteta) is common in online services and financial regulations. Data verification involves checking data accuracy, cross-checking against sources, and correcting errors. Document verification assesses the authenticity of documents such as IDs or certificates. Software and systems verification checks that a product conforms to its specifications; in many cases this is distinguished from validation, which asks whether the product meets user needs.

Methods: Verifikacija employs manual review and automated checks. Techniques include cryptographic signatures, hash checksums, digital certificates, and biometric verification. In digital platforms, email or phone verification confirms account ownership; regulated sectors may require formal document verification by trusted authorities.

See also: verification, validation, authentication, digital signature.