In an attempt to get a share of the $18 billion (£14.4 billion) biometrics industry, Mastercard is launching a controversial initiative that will allow consumers to pay at the register with only a smile or a wave of the hand.
While face recognition technology has long been a source of concern for civil rights advocates, the payments giant announced that it was moving forward with a biometric checkout program that it claimed would speed up payments, reduce queues, and provide greater security than a standard credit or debit card.
“Once enrolled, there is no need to slow down the checkout queue searching through their pockets or bag,” Mastercard said. “Consumers can simply check the bill and smile into a camera or wave their hand over a reader to pay.”
Mastercard also claimed that the new payment mechanism would be more sanitary, capitalizing on health worries raised by the Covid outbreak.
The first tests will begin this week at five St Marche supermarkets in So Paulo, with customers able to register for biometric payments in-store or via an app with Payface, the local partner.
Although campaigners have long highlighted concerns about data storage and monitoring, Mastercard highlighted studies indicating that 74% of worldwide customers had a “positive attitude” toward biometric technologies.
There are also discussions concerning how the information may be used to follow, screen, or monitor unsuspecting customers.
