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
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Justin Byrd
(He, Him) PARTNER / PROJECT-LEAD
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P:
570-820-2060 |
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Machi-Systems, LLC. Scranton Life Building 538 Biden St, Suite 528 Scranton, PA 18503 |
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From:
Tom Jones <thomasclinganjones@gmail.com>
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 7:32 PM
To: wg-riup <wg-riup@kantarainitiative.org>
Subject: [WG-RIUP] for underserved populations we need a simple reader in the field
I propose we consider the environment where the underserved can be helped.