THERE is a new Break through set to launch in Thailand by the end of the year. A customer first registers images of their face online. Then at checkout, a camera scans their face and cross-references it with a database, automatically taking money from their bank account if it matches. No need to carry your wallet, just use your personal identity.
The key to facial recognition software is accuracy. Suppose someone looks similar enough to you charging all the bills to your account accidentally. For example, Baidu Inc. China says they have developed revolutionary facial recognition software and their application can match faces to their database with 99% accuracy. As an added level of security, facial recognition software often includes a “Liveness test.” To prevent foul play, users are often asked to turn their head slightly and/or talk while the software analyzes their face. This stops someone from simply holding up a picture of someone they wish to impersonate.
Instead of using a credit card, which can be stolen, customers can begin making purchases with only their face. China has a unique database that enables the facial recognition software to function. China has a large, centralized database of ID photos, which Facee++ and Baidu access to match one face with another. Without baseline for comparison, the technology will be unable to recognize you.
Besides the payment, facial recognition can be used for identifying trespassers or permitting entry to an apartment complex, facial recognition software can determine whether someone should or should not gain access to a building. Most recently U.S airports have begun using facial scanning in the boarding process to confirm the identities of those leaving the country.
At CaliBurger in Pasadena, California, for the first time in America, their loyalty accounts customers can pay without needing a physical or digital wallet, they just need to smile at a screen.
