A clerk at a convenience store in Changning District

"We were told by the store's manager about the new machine, but only two customers have used it so far. I practically forgot about it."

"It doesn't make much difference for me, because it's the same as swiping bank cards. Instead of swiping the card, they scan their finger and type in a number just like password. It's actually quite fast."

An employee of China Merchants Bank working with Live by Touch

"It took a very long time for us to review the project, especially security. We consider it useful for our customers, mostly young and high-end white collars who will enjoy fashionable and innovative technologies." She declined to give her name.

"Most of our concerns involved security, not only the fingerprint database but also the company's own status. We have to consider what happens if the management or shareholders of the company change in a few years. We signed an agreement with Live by Touch about all security matters."

The bank has been receiving positive feedback from customers. During the two big promotions in June, the bank received more than 100 applications each day on-site in the cinema and restaurant.

Julia Pan, 24-year-old magazine editor

Pan registered in June to get the discount at a Japanese all-you-can-eat restaurant.

"It's cool and convenient, but I haven't used it since then," says Pan. "I registered with a card that I don't use frequently so that it won't be insecure."

Pan's boyfriend warned her to be careful when she registered. "It's new worldwide, so you don't know what will happen. We just want to be the first cool group, but not the first group of victims. It's always good to be more careful."

Pan has decided to wait and see how the service develops.

Will Chang, 31-year-old game designer from Hong Kong

"I'm not sure about trusting my fingerprint to a company. After all, it's different from getting it scanned at the Customs. Fingerprints are private and unique. Personal information gets leaked so frequently nowadays and a fingerprint is different from cards or other information. What if someone chops off my finger rather than stealing my bank cards?"

(Shanghai Daily July 21, 2009)