Which of the following factors does NOT relate to a user’s identity verification?

When considering user identity verification, the key focus is on how a user's identity is confirmed and validated before granting access to systems or data. Authentication plays a central role in this process, as it involves the verification of a user's identity, typically through passwords, biometrics, or tokens. Multi-factor authentication enhances this by requiring multiple forms of verification, reinforcing the security of the authentication process.

Authorization, while closely related and often occurring immediately after authentication, pertains to the rights and permissions granted to an authenticated user to access resources. It ensures that, once a user's identity is verified, they are only able to access resources that they are permitted to.

Regulatory compliance, on the other hand, refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, and guidelines set forth by governing bodies regarding data protection and privacy. While compliance may influence identity verification practices and security measures, it does not directly relate to the process of affirming a user's identity. Therefore, it stands apart from the core activities of authentication, authorization, and multi-factor authentication, which are intrinsic to user identity verification.