Bitcoin ATM

[NorthBean]

So I am going to work off a assumption that most bitcoin atms have similar setups around the world.
We have varying restrictions based on KYC,AML and local regulations. But think these machines have similar guts.

The one I visit has a camera above the screen that I assumed was for first time users only to register.
Read a random article about fraud and bitcoin and it made mention of taking photos of customers each transaction.
This is done at QR code scan or SMS verification stage.  Some companies use AI programs to track faces to wallets and personal details.

So I reread the ToS for my usual ATM and found no clear mention of this. Talk of third party and suspicion of fraud but nothing clear.

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

²
Tempted to test covering up the camera and seeing if the cover is still on it a week later.😂
Part of me thinks not being able to take a photo would trigger fraud detection and would be rectified quickly if they actually use this aspect.

Bit curious because government in Canada might do something stupid around back taxes.

Any experiences would be helpful.

[SeriouslyGiveaway]

So I am going to work off a assumption that most bitcoin atms have similar setups around the world.
We have varying restrictions based on KYC,AML and local regulations. But think these machines have similar guts.

The one I visit has a camera above the screen that I assumed was for first time users only to register.
Read a random article about fraud and bitcoin and it made mention of taking photos of customers each transaction.
This is done at QR code scan or SMS verification stage.  Some companies use AI programs to track faces to wallets and personal details.

So I reread the ToS for my usual ATM and found no clear mention of this. Talk of third party and suspicion of fraud but nothing clear.

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

Cryptocurrency ATMs including Bitcoin ATMs change their policies as their companies need to have licenses for legal operations and we know that governments globally nowadays are very strict with KYC and AML. Cryptocurrency ATM operators can not have physical ATMs at public locations without legal compliance with governments like AML and KYC. Time of no KYC to use cryptocurrency ATMs long gone but you have no choice.

This following site is a big one for finding cryptocurrency ATM locations around your location, and it has a blog site for informative reports.
https://coinatmradar.com/blog/category/bitcoin-atm-regulation/

You can find information about Bitcoin ATM regulations and how to use Bitcoin ATMs with new MICA regulations.

[henry_of_skalitz]

The ATMs in my proximity do not do that as of now, but they may.

Regulations are always lurking there

[DeeppRockk]

So I am going to work off a assumption that most bitcoin atms have similar setups around the world.We have varying restrictions based on KYC,AML and local regulations. But think these machines have similar guts.The one I visit has a camera above the screen that I assumed was for first time users only to register.Read a random article about fraud and bitcoin and it made mention of taking photos of customers each transaction.This is done at QR code scan or SMS verification stage.  Some companies use AI programs to track faces to wallets and personal details.So I reread the ToS for my usual ATM and found no clear mention of this. Talk of third party and suspicion of fraud but nothing clear.Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?Tempted to test covering up the camera and seeing if the cover is still on it a week later.Part of me thinks not being able to take a photo would trigger fraud detection and would be rectified quickly if they actually use this aspect.Bit curious because government in Canada might do something stupid around back taxes.Any experiences would be helpful.

youre using a public, regulated terminal in a convenience store. 

youre paying a massive premium on the price for zero privacy.

From my perspective, its a terrible deal from every angle.
The time you wasted reading the ToS and worrying about the camera could've been spent finding a better way to stack.

Who cares if they use AI to track you? The solution is simple: dont use the machine.

its a noob-trap, designed for people who want instant gratification and are willing to pay for it with their money and their data. I'd just find a P2P market like Bisq or Hodl Hodl, or buy from a friend.

The 'convenience' isn't worth the cost (for some).

[DubemIfedigbo001]

The one I visit has a camera above the screen that I assumed was for first time users only to register.
Read a random article about fraud and bitcoin and it made mention of taking photos of customers each transaction.
This is done at QR code scan or SMS verification stage.  Some companies use AI programs to track faces to wallets and personal details.

So I reread the ToS for my usual ATM and found no clear mention of this. Talk of third party and suspicion of fraud but nothing clear.

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world? 

Cameras are installed for surveillance; They help to deter criminals from targeting the machine and is installed for the overall safety and security of the machine. If you use the Bitcoin ATM machine, then you would have already given away your KYC which includes phone number verification for smaller amounts and ID for larger amounts. The camera should not be your problem unless you've ulterior motive.

 

Tempted to test covering up the camera and seeing if the cover is still on it a week later.😂
Part of me thinks not being able to take a photo would trigger fraud detection and would be rectified quickly if they actually use this aspect.

This would compromise its security and you may probably be picked up and made to face the law for tampering with it.

[satscraper]

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

I assume they do it by default even when someone is acquiring the small amount that falls below the threshold requiring the KYC procedure.

That’s why when using crypto ATM I always wear sunglasses and baseball cap. Besides, I usually make small transactions that don’t require KYC. I don’t know about Canada, but in the country where I live such option is available.

[john_egbert]

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

I assume they do it by default even when someone is acquiring the small amount that falls below the threshold requiring the KYC procedure.

That’s why when using crypto ATM I always wear sunglasses and baseball cap. Besides, I usually make small transactions that don’t require KYC. I don’t know about Canada, but in the country where I live such option is available.

That's good for you and a good option for those not wanting giving away their face for analysis.

I didn't get it though.. why they ask for it when the amount is low?

[satscraper]

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

I assume they do it by default even when someone is acquiring the small amount that falls below the threshold requiring the KYC procedure.

That’s why when using crypto ATM I always wear sunglasses and baseball cap. Besides, I usually make small transactions that don’t require KYC. I don’t know about Canada, but in the country where I live such option is available.

That's good for you and a good option for those not wanting giving away their face for analysis.

I didn't get it though.. why they ask for it when the amount is low?

They don’t ask for it when the amount is low, but I assume they secretly take thecamera picture even in that case. This is just my assumption anyway, because I always expect the worst and prepare for it. ^{Better to be safe than sorry, so to say}. But I must say that buying or selling crypto at an ATM is my last option, since the fees involved are very high compared with other available options.

[hugeblack]

Anyone have any insight into these companies taking photos at any of the ATMs anywhere in the world?

If it's part of the system, covering the camera will definitely trigger a warning and prevent you from opting out. However, these devices usually come with a support number; contact them and tell them about the camera, or stop using the device.

While it's true that such devices often attract scammers, facial recognition alone isn't enough to commit scam.

[john_egbert]

They don’t ask for it when the amount is low, but I assume they secretly take thecamera picture even in that case. This is just my assumption anyway, because I always expect the worst and prepare for it. ^{Better to be safe than sorry, so to say}. But I must say that buying or selling crypto at an ATM is my last option, since the fees involved are very high compared with other available options.

Yeah, I got you.

You may be right, anyways, even if we use such an option, we should be doing it with covered face and be ready for it doing the pic anyways, as you said..

Thanks for your input

[The Sceptical Chymist]

youre using a public, regulated terminal in a convenience store. 

youre paying a massive premium on the price for zero privacy.

From my perspective, its a terrible deal from every angle.
The time you wasted reading the ToS and worrying about the camera could've been spent finding a better way to stack.

Who cares if they use AI to track you? The solution is simple: dont use the machine.

Yeah, blah blah blah.  OP is trying to learn about an aspect of the crazy world of crypto that is still somewhat shrouded in mystery.  I respect that and his questions.

I've seen the requirements to buy crypto at more than a few ATMs in my area, and they vary widely depending on the ATM provider ranging from just an SMS to a drivers license scan.  After all this time they've been around, nothing is standardized as far as that's concerned--but I think that's where the camera comes in.  Who knows what the hell is being recorded/saved or what that info is being used for.  I would not rely on any ToS to provide honest disclosure as far as that goes.

There are grocery stores using facial recognition tech, but since there aren't any laws on the books yet where I live...well, nothing is sacred, no store is to be trusted, and I'm seeing a lot of people wearing face masks. 

And by the way, had you spent $10,000 buying BTC at an ATM in 2022, even with the high markup you would have made out like a bandit if you'd held onto what you bought.  You never know.

[justinlamode]

The Bitcoin ATM we have in my country are no longer operational so I did not get the opportunity of using it at least once. From what I understand about ATMs in general, they are usually installed with camera for security reasons and unless those cameras captures the user properly, the transaction may be declined. Bitcoin ATMs may also have something like this added for security reasons else people can mess with the machine and try to exploit the system.

[betswift]

The Bitcoin ATM we have in my country are no longer operational so I did not get the opportunity of using it at least once. From what I understand about ATMs in general, they are usually installed with camera for security reasons and unless those cameras captures the user properly, the transaction may be declined. Bitcoin ATMs may also have something like this added for security reasons else people can mess with the machine and try to exploit the system.

How do you see the "exploitation" of such a machine regarding the usage of the face tech?

[DeeppRockk]

Yeah, blah blah blah.  OP is trying to learn about an aspect of the crazy world of crypto that is still somewhat shrouded in mystery.  I respect that and his questions.I've seen the requirements to buy crypto at more than a few ATMs in my area, and they vary widely depending on the ATM provider ranging from just an SMS to a drivers license scan.  After all this time they've been around, nothing is standardized as far as that's concerned--but I think that's where the camera comes in.  Who knows what the hell is being recorded/saved or what that info is being used for.  I would not rely on any ToS to provide honest disclosure as far as that goes.There are grocery stores using facial recognition tech, but since there aren't any laws on the books yet where I live...well, nothing is sacred, no store is to be trusted, and I'm seeing a lot of people wearing face masks.  And by the way, had you spent $10,000 buying BTC at an ATM in 2022, even with the high markup you would have made out like a bandit if you'd held onto what you bought.  You never know.

The reason nothing is standardized is because the regulations themselves aren't standardized. It varies on a state-by-state, and even federal, level when it comes to specific implementation.
One FinCEN guidance memo can be interpreted five different ways by five different compliance departments.

So one operator's lawyer tells them an SMS is enough for under $1000, while another's says they need a driver's license scan for anything over $200.

As for the camera, you must assume it's always on... (rightfully so)

it's a basic feature of their Bank Secrecy Act compliance program. The ToS will never spell out 'we take your photo to build a file on you.'

It will have some vague clause like, 'we collect information for identity verification and fraud prevention purposes.' That's the only legal cover they need.
The photo helps them prove to an auditor, who might show up three years from now, that they are making a good-faith effort to 'know their customer,' even for non-ID-verified transactions.

They aren't trying to hide it; they're trying to satisfy a regulator.

[knowngunman]

Yeah, I got you.

You may be right, anyways, even if we use such an option, we should be doing it with covered face and be ready for it doing the pic anyways, as you said..

Thanks for your input

And you think the machine is that dumb to accept your picture with a covered face? 

As far as the capturing is for verification purposes, your picture with face mask will not be approved. There's a always a prompt text guiding you to take a clear picture with visible face. If the camera is meant for surveillance, you have no problem putting on face mask.

By the way, why worrying about the camera when you already tempered with your privacy by agreeing to use the ATM? 

[john_egbert]

Yeah, I got you.

You may be right, anyways, even if we use such an option, we should be doing it with covered face and be ready for it doing the pic anyways, as you said..

Thanks for your input

And you think the machine is that dumb to accept your picture with a covered face? 

As far as the capturing is for verification purposes, your picture with face mask will not be approved. There's a always a prompt text guiding you to take a clear picture with visible face. If the camera is meant for surveillance, you have no problem putting on face mask.

By the way, why worrying about the camera when you already tempered with your privacy by agreeing to use the ATM? 

That's a good question, I just envisioned such a situation unfolding, but I wouldn't use ATMs myself, because there are many ways to avoid doing so.. While keeping your privacy more than with such a machine.

[NorthBean]

Provider answered my question if they take a photo.

Thank you for getting in touch!

Just like other ATM services, yes it has a footage for security purposes only.

In terms of registration, we also use the footage to see if the person registered is the same person who's using the account for you and your funds safety.

Should you have further questions, please let us know.


So a little disappointing but at least I found out before any dire issues popped up.

This is one of the biggest ATM providers in Canada.

The response is murky but enough to realize they are not looking out for the customer in any shape.

[Jaweria parveen]

The Bitcoin ATM we have in my country are no longer operational so I did not get the opportunity of using it at least once. From what I understand about ATMs in general, they are usually installed with camera for security reasons and unless those cameras captures the user properly, the transaction may be declined. Bitcoin ATMs may also have something like this added for security reasons else people can mess with the machine and try to exploit the system.

I think Bitcoin ATMs were closed a while back, which is why you cannot use this ATM. Although you should have used it when it came to your area and told us what your experience was. If there was a Bitcoin ATM in my area, I would definitely use it, but those who have it give a very good experience that it makes transactions easily like any other ATM. It used to give better and better transactions than other ATMs and it protects us from all sides through Bitcoin with complete security. Although we have seen very few other accidents so far that there have been any accidents with ATM machines, so there has not been a single accident with Bitcoin ATMs so we prefer it like other ATMs. Till now, ATMs have been built in many places and there are many such ATMs in Switzerland and transactions are very easy there.