Since the end of last year Mastercard has thought of some really interesting initiatives. One of these is the Touch Card for contactless payments for the blind. Another very interesting program is the first card with support for crypto created in collaboration with Nexo. But there will be no more cards for the company in the future. In fact, according to what she revealed herself, she is studying a way to make users pay with a smile. Or at most with a wave of the hand.
Mastercard has a new program in mind to make us pay with a smile. Faster yes, but controversies arise over user privacy
Mastercard is launching a controversial program that will allow shoppers to pay at the checkout with a simple smile or gesture of hand. This is good, sure, but only for some users. In fact, most of the users of the payment giant's cards and services are intimidated by the consequences on the privacy side. This kind of payment works through the facial recognition which, as we know, has long raised controversy among civil rights groups.
There are several positive points of this Mastercard payment by smile or gesture. First, it would be a more hygienic type of payment. One thing that should not be underestimated at a time when, after two years of pandemic, physical contact with a stranger (let's imagine a buyer and a cashier) has become a taboo.
Secondly, it would be a payment method extremely fast, much more than a swipe of a card. This also entails avoid looking for wallets or smartphone in the bag or pockets but use your hand or face directly.
The pilot project will be launched in Brazil in five supermarkets this week. Buyers will be able to sign up for biometric payments in-store or via an app with their local partner, payface. Meanwhile, Mastercard will focus on launching the technology in markets including Latin America, the Middle East, Africa e Asia. Nothing is known for Europe yet, but it will be difficult to see a similar service here with the rules of the European Community.
