First, Amazon patented one-click purchasing buying. Now it wants a patent for pay-by-selfie.
RECODE.NET reports that the Seattle-based e-commerce company recently filed a patent application for a process that would allow shoppers to make a purchase by taking a photo and/or video of themselves rather than keying in their account password. The application is related to a separate patent Amazon holds for a technology that allows a device to authenticate a user via a photo or video, but not necessarily to complete a transaction.
The current application aims to make it safer for shoppers to buy something online by relying on images of themselves instead of a password, which can be hard to remember and dangerous when stolen, and also apparently something that can come between friends.
“The entry of these passwords … can require the user to turn away from friends or co-workers when entering a password, which can be awkward or embarrassing in many situations.”
Under the scenario in the patent application, reports RECODE.NET, a phone or computer “can prompt the user to perform certain actions, motions, or gestures, such as to smile, blink, or tilt his or her head.” This would be done to prove that the shopper is who he or she says, rather than an imposter simply holding up a photo of the shopper.
{Matzav.com}
