To verify that you are a human and not a bot, websites and platforms use various methods. One common approach is to prompt users to press and hold a key or button on their keyboard or device. This action is designed to prevent automated programs from completing the task quickly.
When prompted, users typically need to release the key after a short period, usually around 2-5 seconds, to confirm they are human. The goal of this verification process is to ensure that only legitimate users can complete the required actions, thereby protecting against bot-based attacks and improving online security.
By requiring human verification, websites can reduce the risk of automated scripts attempting to simulate user interactions, which can lead to various issues such as spamming, account takeover, and data manipulation. This simple yet effective measure helps maintain online safety and integrity.
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-woman-sues-costco-20368817.php