[LINK] City launches fingerprint payment program

[Andy Farkas]

It begins.....

<http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200710/20071012/article_334241.htm>

"SHOPPERS in Shanghai now have a safer way to pay money as thousands
of retailers have launched an electronic payment terminal that can
match consumers' fingerprints with their bank accounts, Jiefang Daily
reported today.

The retailers include department stores, supermarkets, restaurants and
entertainment venues such as Parkson Department Store and Kedi
convenience store, the report said.

When customers place a finger on the payment terminal, the system will
recognize the fingerprint and take money from their bank account.

People who have an account with the Agricultural Bank of China can
register their fingerprints at the bank's Changning branch, the report
said.

Consumers can also open an "electronic wallet" and register their
fingerprints at China Unicom outlets, and convenience store such as
Lawson and Kedi, the report said.

Live By Touch Holdings Ltd, operator of the system, said paying by
fingerprint is safer than credit cards because no one can imitate the
fingerprint."


-andyf