MasterCard tests ‘pay by selfie’ payment method, United States News & Top

The trial will start with 500 customers in the United States this year and the company plans to launch it once bugs are fixed.

Today’s generation, which is into sulfites, will likely find this new app cool, said MasterCard’s security expert. The system presents some hindrance to hackers and cybercriminals from using stolen credit card details on the Web.

The next time you see someone taking a selfie, it may not be because they’re getting ready to post their mug on Facebook or Instagram; they might be authorizing an online transaction.

“MasterCard will launch a small pilot program that uses fingerprints – but also facial scans”.

MasterCard has already partnered up with major players in the smartphone market such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft and even BlackBerry to bring this technology to all smartphone platforms. The firm is also in talks with two banks for implementation of this technology. After downloading the app, you pay for things by simply looking at your phone and blinking once.

Anybody who wants to try out this new security feature from MasterCard will have to download the MasterCard App. A pop-up will then ask for your authorization after you pay for something via fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.

MasterCard might make identity theft a little bit harder – they’re working toward introducing face scanning software that will determine approval of your purchases.

It all sounds great in theory, to be sure, but if the past week has shown the tech community anything it’s that facial recognition technology still has a long way to go before it works perfectly for non-caucasians.

Bhalla said the company would not be able to recreate a face from the data held on servers.

David McNew/Getty Images MasterCard is stepping into the selfie revolution with a new picture payment service for customers.

MasterCard said it was exploring fingerprint security as well, along with voice recognition, which could make it easier for clients.