Just as we thought: the recently-filed Authenticator-themed lawsuit against Blizzard is bogus.
Blizzard Responds to Lawsuit Over Authenticators : Read more
Blizzard Responds to Lawsuit Over Authenticators : Read more
Blizzard offers free apps for smartphones that can be used to authenticate the user's credentials when prompted – the physical $6.40 version is merely an optional accessory for those who can't/won't use the apps.
"You can read our letter to players and a comprehensive FAQ related to the situation on our website."
Uh, the lawsuit isn't about the concept of 2-step authentication, it's about the money charged for the physical device. Those two examples are not relevant since (I presume) neither Google nor ArenaNet charge users for access to the extra account security those login methods provide.For the record, Blizzard isn't the only company offering "authenticators" as an optional method of security. Google's two-step process requires users to add an additional code to their login that is texted to their smartphone. ArenaNet has an option allowing Guild Wars 2 users to confirm their login by way of an email each time they want to play.