Why AI puzzles make life harder?

I am frustrated. AI was supposed to make our lives easier. Instead, in some areas, it feels like the more it develops, the harder it becomes for us humans.

Take something as simple as updating account information online. Microsoft 365, Dropbox and many others now use third-party security validations (like Arkose MatchKey). These puzzles are almost incomprehensible. Today, just to update my card details before a payment, I had to solve six of these, and for good measure, I was made to do them twice.

I do understand the need for tougher security in the age of bots. But there has to be a smarter, more user-friendly way than torturing genuine users with puzzles that even seasoned gamers might hesitate at.

This meme captures it perfectly:

And here’s an actual screenshot of the puzzle I had to solve:

Security is important, no doubt. But when genuine users are left pulling their hair out while machines sit back and enjoy the show, maybe it’s time to rethink who is really being served here.