"What If My Face Gets Scanned Without Consent": Understanding Older Adults' Experiences with Biometric Payment

TL;DR

This study explores older adults' perceptions of biometric payment, highlighting their motivations, concerns, and desired features to improve control and security in digital financial services.

Contribution

It provides novel insights into older adults' experiences and preferences regarding biometric payment, informing design improvements for inclusive digital financial services.

Findings

Older adults value convenience and security in biometric payment.

Concerns about data security and loss of control are prevalent.

Desired features include lightweight, context-aware confirmation mechanisms.

Abstract

Biometric payment, i.e., biometric authentication implemented in digital payment systems, can reduce memory demands and streamline payment for older adults. However, older adults' perceptions and practices regarding biometric payment remain underexplored. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 Chinese older adults, including both users and non-users. Participants were motivated to use biometric payment due to convenience and perceived security. However, they also worried about loss of control due to its password-free nature and expressed concerns about biometric data security. Participants also identified desired features for biometric payment, such as lightweight and context-aware cognitive confirmation mechanisms to enhance user control. Based on these findings, we outline recommendations for more controllable and informative digital financial services that better support older adults.