Google’s reCAPTCHA system uses an image-based challenge to verify whether a user is human or a bot. The “Press & Hold” test is one such method used to confirm a user’s identity.
Here’s how it works: when you’re asked to complete the reCAPTCHA challenge, you’ll be shown an image with two circles of different sizes. One circle has a white fill, while the other is filled with grey and black shapes.
The task is simple – click on the larger circle in the center of the image. Then, instead of clicking just once, press and hold down the mouse button for at least 2 seconds before releasing it.
If you’re human, your mouse will stay hovered over the correct area, indicating the correct circle has been selected, and the test is considered complete.
The idea behind this method is that bots do not have the cognitive ability to remember their previous actions or understand contextual cues like humans do. So when the user needs to press the button again after holding down the mouse, a human can easily recall where they put it previously and can click on the correct circle once more without hesitation.
This technique has become an essential tool in the fight against online spam and phishing attacks, as well as other malicious activities that rely on automated systems.
Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/donald-trump-bruce-springsteen-taylor-swift-20331113.php