AZE.US
Azerbaijan is introducing facial-recognition payments, allowing users to complete transactions without a physical bank card, cash or a smartphone.
The system identifies a customer through a camera installed at the payment point. It compares the person’s face with previously registered biometric data and, once the identity is confirmed, deducts the required amount from a linked card or digital wallet. The entire process takes one to two seconds.
According to specialists, the system generally does not store an ordinary photograph of the user. Facial features are converted into a digital biometric template, which is encrypted both during storage and when transmitted between a device and a server.
The technology can also use tokenization to protect financial information. Instead of transmitting a customer’s actual card or account details, the system generates a special digital token for the transaction. Even if intercepted, the token does not directly expose the user’s banking information.
Before approving a payment, the system performs a “liveness” check to determine whether a real person is standing in front of the camera rather than a photograph, video or other image.
The technology offers faster transactions and eliminates the need to carry a card or reach for a phone. However, its wider use also raises questions about the protection of biometric information, as facial data cannot be changed as easily as a password if compromised.
The SimaPay facial-recognition payment system is currently available at three stations operated by Azerbaijan Railways. Authorities plan to expand the technology to other areas in the future.
AZE.US