Amazon may soon let you pay using a selfie

Amazon wants you to be able to authorize a transaction with a selfie, so now you’ll have to make sure you’re looking halfway decent when you’re doing some late-night, online shopping.

Amazon’s patent application for this technology, first seen by Re/Code, was filed Thursday. The patent describes using a camera to identify a user using facial recognition and then verifying that they are real by asking them to perform an action, like blinking.

The patent talks about the need for improved security around these electronic systems that allow you to purchase items with one click. It is possible to get someone’s password to his or her Amazon account, where you can go on a buying spree, but using facial recognition could make it a lot harder for hackers and thieves to use your accounts. Read more...