This innovative system, which combines iris and facial biometrics, is provided by fintech company PayEye in collaboration with Planet Pay, Polish Press Agency reported. It marks Europe's first biometric payment pilot under the Mastercard Biometric Checkout program.
The biometric payment system at Empik operates through a mobile application, where users input their personal data and payment card information just once. During the initial transaction, the system requires confirmation via a PIN or phone number. For subsequent transactions, users simply look into a special terminal to complete the payment.
"We are introducing a completely new technology in Poland, taking biometrics to the next level […] Biometrics is something we already use daily, like unlocking our phones with a fingerprint or face scan. Now, we can make payments without any devices, cards, or phones, which is indeed a huge leap forward," said Marta Życińska, General Director of the Polish branch of Mastercard Europe. She highlighted Poland's pioneering role in modern payment methods, noting the country's early adoption of contactless payments in 2007.
Poland has been chosen as the pioneer for the program due to its advanced payment infrastructure. According to Mastercard, 80% of Poles have used biometric security measures, and nearly all individuals aged 18-25 have encountered biometrics.
The biometric payment solution at Empik is made possible by Polish fintech company PayEye, which has developed proprietary technology based on the fusion of eye and face biometrics. Businesses must equip themselves with a special "eyepos" terminal to accept PayEye payments. The system's precise calibration ensures there is no risk of accidental payments by merely looking at the terminal.
The three-month pilot program will take place in the following locations:
- Galeria Mokotów in Warsaw
- Bielany in Wrocław
- Posnania in Poznań
- Galeria Kazimierz in Kraków
- M1 Mall in Czeladź
(jh)
Source: PAP