Live data from Hacker News

Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

nakedcapitalism.com

21–30 of 50 posts

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#21

I've found that face/retina scans are usually bad UX, especially if you need to use a viewfinder or a statically positioned device. Apple's Face ID works well because it's on a mobile device and you don't have to align your face in a box. I don't see how this is any more convenient than using a mobile wallet. In fact, it looks less convenient than using the actual card - even if you forget the card you can usually ju…

It will be just like all those little paper signs they stuck on EMV terminals. “Insert chip here”, “No chip”, “Tap card on screen”.

So how do you make people use a retinal camera? You cut a hole in a picture of a monkey or the store mascot’s head and put up a big sign that says “look at Mr. Groceries to pay your bill with MasterCard EyeScan” or whatever it is called.

Because explaining how to use it to every single person in line is definitely going to make it fast.

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#22
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

People willingly do this for the minor convenience of saving 30 minutes in TSA lines. And I imagine the MC executives picture themselves as part of the cosseted ruling class depicted in 'Minority Report'.

With TSA precheck, you are just giving the one government agency permission to have data another government agency already has. I wouldn't willing give MasterCard any information about me.

With TSA precheck, you have to be fingerprinted, no?

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#23
post #10
post #6

If I won’t give Amazon my palm print to pay at Whole Foods, why the f would I give Mastercard a pair of retinal scans? Seems like MC executives grew up on “Minority Report” and thought, damn this is a good idea!

People willingly do this for the minor convenience of saving 30 minutes in TSA lines. And I imagine the MC executives picture themselves as part of the cosseted ruling class depicted in 'Minority Report'.

30 seconds. TSA has the stereo 3d cameras at a lot of ID/boarding pass checkpoints now, but all you have to do is say "no camera thanks" (and hold some paper over the lens if you want) and they will check you the regular way

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

With TSA precheck, you are just giving the one government agency permission to have data another government agency already has. I wouldn't willing give MasterCard any information about me.

With TSA precheck, you have to be fingerprinted, no?

Yes you do.

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

With TSA precheck, you are just giving the one government agency permission to have data another government agency already has. I wouldn't willing give MasterCard any information about me.

With TSA precheck, you have to be fingerprinted, no?

Yes. State Dept already has my photo from my passport, fingerprints stored by DHS aren’t that much more (Global Entry specific).

I trust federal agencies more than private corporations, having seen the inside of both.

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#27

I don't really see how this is a drastically better experience than tap to pay, NFC, Apple Pay, etc. It would feel odd to provide eye scans to everyday retailers, and then at some point, you have to worry about your eye scan being stolen, and you can't (easily) get a new eye afterwards, but you can replace all the payment methods that aren't your eyes.

I'm guessing MasterCard is viewing this as a payment mechanism that only needs the physical customer as the payment authentication. If it's 0 friction (which I doubt), I could see people opting to just look at a camera to pay rather than fumbling to get your phone out.

Fumbling with your phone sounds like a silly statement but so did fumbling with your wallet.

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#29
Wow, imagine if China launched biometric retail payment system in the USA

Europeans hate having sovereign and self sufficient industries, or is it done through psyops?

Imagine giving away your biometric and, soon if not already, your DNA data to foreign countries that will make sure their interests come first (Nordstream sabotage, broken France-Australia submarine deal, US Inflation Reduction Act)

Re: Mastercard Launches Its Biometric Retail Payment System in Europe

#30

I don't really see how this is a drastically better experience than tap to pay, NFC, Apple Pay, etc. It would feel odd to provide eye scans to everyday retailers, and then at some point, you have to worry about your eye scan being stolen, and you can't (easily) get a new eye afterwards, but you can replace all the payment methods that aren't your eyes.

> I don't really see how this is a drastically better experience than tap to pay, NFC, Apple Pay, etc.

I do, but I don't see how those methods are better than a chip and pin. Waiting in line at a checkout or getting on a bus behind somebody hopelessly futzing with their phone to mess with the app is the new waiting for someone to write a check. The eye thing is dystopian, but it'll be fast.

Post reply on HN