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MasterCard testing facial recognition technology to verify online purchases

This fall MasterCard will begin experimenting with using facial recognition software to verify online purchases, according to a report by CNN.

After a payment is made online, customers will be prompted to stare at their phones and blink (to prove the buyer is there, rather than a fraudster holding up a photograph) to authenticate their identities. Customers will also have the option to use finger scans instead.

The method will be tested as part of a pilot program limited to 500 customers and in an effort to ultimately replace passwords. Users will have to download the MasterCard phone application to use the feature. MasterCard will also eventually experiment with voice and unique heartbeat recognition technology.

The credit card firm has partnered with all the major smart phone companies and is finalizing deals with two unidentified major banks. 

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