The British government is now accepting Apple and Google Pay for some services (via iTV and Apple Insider). We can use our phones to pay for four services at present, with more to receive the capability later this year.
The effort is part of a trial service from the ministry. The UK can use our phone’s for payment systems to pay for fees with a fingerprint or via facial recognition related to the Global Entry Service (for expedited entry to the US), the Registered Traveller Service (for frequent travelers to the UK from non-EU countries), the Electronic Visa Waiver Service (for travelers from four Middle Eastern countries visiting the UK), and basic online disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks (fees for people attempting to work in certain job types).
Officials expect to spread payments among other, more “central” government services as well as local government, health care and the police.
It’s not a radical addition, but could make life easier if the thought of paying for government services normally turns you pale. And let’s face it, this technological convenience is still relatively rare in government regardless of where you live it might lead other organizations and countries to follow suit.
