Hi, All – This is one solution space I tinker with…
I see potential for this technology with EBT/Food Stamps and WIC programs, which provide food credits and cash payments to low-income families. These services generally operate through state-run apps and banking partners. Additionally, I recently discovered Chatpay, an app that integrates with other digital payment systems to assist individuals without traditional bank accounts.
If the device supports NFC or other secure wireless payment technologies, it could be adapted to enhance these services. Furthermore, if this wallet doubles as a document wallet, it could streamline qualifications through digital verification, allowing for the efficient upload, collection, and secure storage of essential documents.
The intentional destruction of paper documents is a common tactic used to control and undermine underprivileged individuals, impacting their ability to access services and prove identity, citizenship, and ownership.
In my exploration of NFC payment options, I learned that iPhones can accept payments using the Tap to Pay feature, available from iOS 15.4 onward. This feature enables merchants to accept contactless payments via iPhone, Apple Pay, Apple Watch, and other digital wallets. I am interested in whether any research has been done on whether the lower-end devices currently in circulation could support two-way NFC payments, given that Android fragmentation continues to be a significant issue. Additionally, many low-cost NFC readers have been found to contain spyware.
On a personal note, I've tested about 10 Android readers purchased from eBay and Amazon in search of a model that could be modified with a custom, clean ROM. Almost all the devices had locked bootloaders, and even those with custom UIs from downstream providers had restrictive bootloaders or update modules, making them unsuitable for banking, selling to my clients, or using with specific populations.
We did find an Android developer who could have devised a custom flash procedure, but it would have required sending the device internationally and developing specific printer drivers. Unfortunately, this project has stalled as we were unable to resolve these technical hurdles, and we haven't found an off-the-shelf solution that meets our requirements for a clean, affordable, mobile payment device. However, the strong interest we've encountered highlights the significant demand for a secure and cost-effective solution in this space.
Warmly,
-J
---
Justin Byrd (He, Him)
PARTNER / PROJECT-LEAD
E: justin@machi-systems.commailto:justin@machi-systems.com
P: 570-820-2060
M: Book a call with me!https://meetings.machi-systems.com/justin
Machi-Systems, LLC.
Scranton Life Building
538 Biden St, Suite 528
Scranton, PA 18503
machi-systems.comhttps://machi-systems.com/ |
[Logo for the Machi-Systems, LLC. Black text set on transparent background reads, “Machi (Dash) Systems.” Stylized blue “m” at the beginning of the word machi]
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope Agreement: We will consider this issue resolved when we are able to answer your query, or we will inform you if the issue will be out of scope.
This message (including any attachments) may contain CONFIDENTIAL information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
From: Tom Jones
