In an unexpected turn of events in the world of ewallet features, Alipay, China’s leading payments application, has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) “mini app” designed to detect baldness. While this may not have been on our wish list, it certainly showcases the innovation and versatility of Alipay.
Aside from its primary function of facilitating payments by linking bank accounts, Alipay offers a plethora of additional services that cater to various needs. From ride-sharing to mobile phone services, bill payments, coupon and travel services, shopping, and even social media integration, Alipay aims to be a one-stop “superapp” for its users.
The latest addition to Alipay’s extensive list of features is the AI-powered hair loss detector. Users can now upload images of their scalps, which are then analyzed by an image recognition system trained on a vast database of medically relevant images. Based on the analysis, the app provides users with recommendations, including suggestions for medical treatment if necessary.
Introduced as part of Alipay’s AI-powered “Medical Assistant” feature, the hair loss detector demonstrates the app’s commitment to offering comprehensive services to its users. While the concept of combining a digital wallet, lifestyle services, and medical tools in one app is popular in the east, it has yet to gain traction in Europe and North America.
Visionaries like Elon Musk have expressed interest in creating all-in-one apps similar to those found in the Chinese market, highlighting the potential of such “superapps.” However, concerns have been raised by privacy advocates regarding the consolidation of user data by these apps, leaving user privacy and security vulnerable to exploitation.
In the case of Alipay, the Chinese government’s access to user data has raised red flags, sparking debates about the implications of such extensive data collection. While the exact usage of this data remains unclear, there are concerns about the creation of a real-time citizen activity tracker based on user information.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of innovative features like the hair loss detector on Alipay raises questions about the balance between convenience and privacy in the realm of digital applications.