Amazon Discontinues Palm Print Recognition Service for Retail
Amazon has decided to discontinue its Amazon One palm recognition and payment system in retail establishments effective June 3, 2026. User data will be deleted after this date.
Technology giant Amazon has decided to discontinue its Amazon One palm biometric recognition service used in the retail sector. According to an announcement on the company's official help page, the system will be phased out from all retail businesses, including stores, gyms, and sports facilities, starting June 3, 2026.
User Data Will Be Deleted
With the termination of the service, Amazon One user data will be automatically deleted. The data to be deleted includes name, phone number, email address, palm biometric data, and registered credit card information. Without users needing to take any action, the data will be removed from the system after any remaining transactions are completed. Users who wish to do so can also delete their profiles and have their data erased before the final date.
Healthcare Services Exception
Amazon's statement clarified that, unlike retail applications, the use of Amazon One for patient check-in at existing healthcare institutions will continue. No termination date has been announced for services in this area for now.
Changing Dynamics in Biometric Technologies
The withdrawal of Amazon One from retail has reignited debates about consumer acceptance and business models for biometric authentication technologies. The company had promoted this technology by arguing that palm recognition was a more privacy-friendly and contactless method. However, consumers' growing concerns about artificial intelligence and data use and regulatory pressures are shaping the future of such systems. Similarly, developments and issues in AI products like Google's Gemini are also putting technology companies' relationship with user data under scrutiny.
Final Use and Alternatives
Amazon is notifying active users about the service termination date via email and SMS. Users can continue to use Amazon One at supported retail locations until June 3, 2026. After the service is discontinued, all other existing payment and entry methods, such as credit cards and QR code payments, will remain valid at the relevant businesses.
