MasterCard Plans Launch Of ‘Selfie’ Function For Online Verification
PURCHASE, N.Y.—Mastercard said it expects to launch its "selfie" function to verify online transactions in Singapore and parts of Asia in 2017.
This function, known as Mastercard's Identity Check, will allow consumers to use facial recognition technology to match selfies against facial identification, ensuring that the online transactions are legitimate.
As CUToday.info reported, Mastercard began testing the new form of authentication late last year.
Mastercard in July said it has partnered with all of the smartphone makers, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung and even Blackberry.
The effort will require consumers to download the Mastercard phone app, according to AsiaOne.com. A pop-up will ask the consumer for authorization after something has been purchased. If a fingerprint is chosen, the consumer simply touches the device. If facial recognition is chosen, the consumer stares at the phone and blinks once (to prove it’s a live video).
Like Apple Pay, Mastercard said it will not actually get a picture of the finger or the face. All fingerprint scans will create a code that stays on the device. The facial recognition scan will map out the face.
Mastercard said it is also testing a voice recognition system and working with a Canadian firm, Nymi, to develop technology that will approve transactions by recognizing a person’s unique heartbeat.