Digital commerce enabler for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Network International, and Carrefour have implemented ‘Face Pay’, a verification platform for payments – from consumer authentication service provider PopID.
The new facial verification feature for payments is already in place
The implementation means that Carrefour’s customers in Deira and Amsaf can now purchase food, essentials and more using PopID’s Face Pay. To make payments using Carrefour’s newest facial verification feature, customers can enrol for the service through the retailer’s mobile app or website.
When purchasing products at Carrefour hypermarkets, customers simply need to smile at a payment terminal instead of using a phone, card or cash.
PopID’s proprietary facial recognition technology is used in the new solution and has also been provisioned by Network International’s acceptance network for mass adoption across the UAE.
However, the news does not signify the first time PopID has rolled out facial verification payment acceptance in the Middle East. The authentication company partnered with Visa to produce a similar solution ‘PopPay’. The likes of Costa Coffee, MMI, as well as grocery chain Géant, introduced the facial biometric payment solution in April 2022.
Biometric payments in the UAE
John Miller, CEO of PopID
John Miller, CEO of PopID and investment company, Cali Group, explained the benefits Face Pay has already demonstrated elsewhere.
Miller said: “In America and Japan, we have demonstrated that allowing consumers to link Face Pay to loyalty accounts and payment methods enhances revenue, increases speed of ordering and check out, drives loyalty engagement, and reduces fraud.
“We are excited to implement the platform with Carrefour and Network International in grocery for the first time in this region.”
Bernardo Perloiro, COO at Majid Futtaim Retail
Bernardo Perloiro, chief operating officer at Majid Futtaim Retail, said: “Carrefour is a leader in introducing new technologies that enhance the customer experience, whilst finding solutions that can eliminate friction.
“Face verification will make it easier and more convenient for our customers to check out efficiently; without having to reach for their wallets.
“This safe, seamless payment method only takes a few seconds, and we are excited to be one of the first retailers to be rolling this out across the UAE in partnership with PopID and Network International.”
Andrew Key, group managing director at Network International, also commented on the implementation of Face Pay. Key said: “We are thrilled to continue driving the evolution of biometric payments with the UAE’s first-of-its-kind face verification platform. Face Pay aims to make checkouts quick, convenient and seamless for a superior customer experience, as well as secure businesses from potential fraud with robust security protocols.
“Network International is proud to be the first acquirer to launch Face Pay-enabled biometric payments acceptance in the country. With a strong track record of leading payments innovation in the region, we aim to continue investing in strategic partnerships that further the potential of payments across the UAE.”
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