Palmprint recognition payment in Shanghai draws debate

(ECNS) -- Besides face recognition and fingerprint identification, a new model of payment has become a hot topic on China's social platform.

At a gate machine at a subway station in Shanghai, a passenger can be identified with five fingers open and the palm centered 5 to 10 centimeters from the reading area.

Some netizens said they are looking forward to the new payment model because it is good in case their mobile phones have no battery power.

However, some people have expressed concern over the abuse of personal biological privacy.

A person in charge of Shentong Metro Group said the equipment has only been installed in two subway stations in Shanghai, the Xingzhong Road station and Longyang Road station, and has not been put into use.

The palmprint recognition device is used for scientific research projects, only for research members to test, and is not open to the public, the person added. "After research is completed, the feasibility of subsequent installation will be evaluated."