Facial Payments: Privacy vs. Convenience | by Sukriti Mann

The Concept of Facial Recognition

In the emerging era of technological advancements, facial recognition is fast spreading its roots. We cannot deny the unbeatable accuracy of facial recognition technology in its present field of utility, that is, unlocking a smartphone or keeping the screen on. Also described as bio-metric artificial intelligence, it works by comparing selected face features. Its wider uses include mobile platforms, robotics, security systems. Its contact less and non-invasive process outperforms other bio-metric technologies like fingerprints, iris recognition etc.

Introduction of Facial Technology

Is it really possible to survive in today’s world with no cash, no cards, no wallet and no smartphones? Of course, a big no! But facial payments do make this dream turn into reality. The brand new technology which requires only face recognition, has enough power to outcast the trend of old fashioned QR codes. The further process includes linking an image of their face to digital payment system or bank account.

But how can we?

Well, paying with our face works simply. With the technology enabled, we can go to merchants that offer ‘smile to pay’ and pay seamlessly. Customers then place their order on the screen and look towards a 3D camera installed in the POS. The camera scans the customers' face to verify their identity and then deducts payment. Extra security measures like phone number verification options can be used.

China becomes the first nation to use Facial Technology

‘Alipay’- the financial arm of e-commerce giant Alibaba becomes the first one to initiate its usage, having already installed devices in 100 cities. It will further spend three billion Yuan over three years on implementing the technology. Similarly, Tecent, which runs WeChat app with 600 million users, unveiled its new facial payment machine called “frogPro”. With a wide push from major mobile payment players, this technology certainly has the potential to spread its reach with a large number of start-ups trying to tap.

Are Facial Payments safe?

With its reach spreading fast, China’s central bank warned that it is not very safe. It is similar to giving up privacy for convenience. Since faces are very sensitive personal information, it could have a huge impact on someone if it were leaked through the medium of photographs. While bank cards can be put in pockets, faces are out in open all the time.

Advantages

1. Enhanced Security

It becomes easier to track down any burglars, thieves or other trespassers. This technology can also help identify terrorists or any other criminals with the help of face scan only. Moreover, this technology cannot be hacked as there is nothing to steal or change. As for personal use, it can be used as security tool for locking personal devices and surveillance cameras.

2. Faster Processing

The process of recognizing a face takes a second or less and this is incredibly beneficial for the companies. It grants a quick and efficient verification of a person which is the necessity in the era of constant cyber attacks and advanced hacking tools.

3. Seamlesss integration

It does not require spending additional money on its integration and most facial recognition solutions are compatible with the majority of security software.

4. Automation of identification

Earlier, security guards had to perform manual identification of a person that took too much time. But facial technology is independent in identification process and is accurate too. The 3D facial recognition technology and the use of infrared cameras significantly boosts the level of accuracy of facial recognition.

5. Mass identification

Facial recognition system is able to identify a person from a large group. Properly installed systems in airports, multiplexes and other public places can identify individuals among the crowd.

Disadvantages

1. Breach of privacy

Though technology gives advantage of tracking criminals but it can also track down people like us. Thus, there is still a lot of work to be done until technology is perfect.

2. Vulnerability in recognition

A slight change in camera angle or even change of appearance will inevitably lead to an error. So this is a serious flaw. And if a person changes the appearance, it would be almost impossible to recognize him/her.

3. Massive data storage

Small or medium sized companies may not have necessary resources to store all the data as machine learning technology requires massive data sets to learn in order to deliver accurate results.

SUMMARY

The facial payment technology which has come into limelight recently can be a big blessing to mankind if used aptly. Though it has some disadvantages too but overcoming them by linking facial payments with scanning of person’s iris can make a difference.