Google Wallet may relax identity verification

Google Wallet users may soon face fewer steps when making payments, as the company is reportedly considering relaxing identity verification for contactless transactions. This change could make payments quicker but also raise security concerns.

New "Tap to pay" feature discovered

A new feature called "Tap to pay" has been found in the latest version of Google Wallet. This feature would allow users to bypass the usual verification steps, such as entering a code or using biometric authentication, when making contactless payments.

Feature not yet functional

Although the "Tap to pay" option is visible in the app, it is not yet fully functional. Activating it causes the app to crash, and the code does not indicate what security measures might be in place if the feature is officially released.

Security concerns raised

The potential removal of identity verification could increase the risk of fraud, such as "ghost tapping," where a payment terminal is brought near a victim to trigger a transaction without their knowledge. This method relies on the lack of user verification.

Uncertain future of the feature

It is unclear whether Google will proceed with this feature or what safeguards it might implement to prevent abuse. The company has not yet commented on the potential changes or their implications for user security.