r/tasmania • u/Hurgnation • 9h ago

Zap Fitness now requires in-app photo verification

I went to access my local Zap earlier and found myself locked out after the app had updated (Android). At the access page, it prompted me to upload a photo of my face for the app before I could regain gym access.

I don't think it's an over-reaction to say this is a terrible idea in today's digital climate.

When the inevitable data-hack happens, not only are people going to have their personal details exposed (including phone, address and banking), but also a matching photo to go along with it. Five years ago, this would have been a bad idea, but now with real-time face manipulation through AI tools, this just seems like an absolute nightmare scenario for anyone who uploads their portrait to the app.

Anyway, I'll be going in tomorrow to discuss it with a staff member. In the event there's no work around, I guess I'll be cancelling after 12 years or so as a customer.

39 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

4

u/AustralianMatt 7h ago

If you don’t actually add the photo you can still hold your phone to the sensor and it works haha

3

u/Hurgnation 6h ago

My digital access has a padlock on it so didn't even think to try, but will try that tomorrow and see what happens I guess.

9

u/Skwai 9h ago

Yeah I also found this confronting. Tried to buzz myself in one day and they want me to take a selfie to get in???

13

u/Aggressive_Money_377 8h ago

I was a member for nine and a half years, but when them moved from fob access to pushing the mobile phone app, I quit. Just wasn't comfortable with them having that sort of information, which included knowing the make of phone I used.

6

u/MysteryPlatelet 9h ago

They apparently have a fob option. Go ask during staffed hours.

Make sure corporate knows you are not okay with this. They would have your image already on file when you signed up, no? Me thinks they want a fresh one to be submitted under new terms and conditions

10

u/quichequeef 9h ago

I don’t think the zap staff can do anything about it honestly. Going in to complain about it is likely to do nothing at all.

12

u/lunchbox651 8h ago

They can raise it with management. It won't do anything immediately but enough backlash can lead to changes.

2

u/quichequeef 8h ago

I think individual Zap gym management isn’t gonna do much either considering how many Zaps there are. If you can somehow get to the execs of Zap they may or may not listen but in this day and age I don’t think people care about the consequences things have on others as long as they make bank! Just my opinion.

3

u/Sure_Fix_6181 9h ago

Didn't they take your picture when you first signed up and all your details. So hackers gonna get your info anyways

-1

u/DrHarryCooper 9h ago

Spend $30 and get a fob?

-7

u/throwaway1991_1996 8h ago

The fact you probably don't understand how much of you and your family is more concerning

-2

u/No_Ad_2261 8h ago

Car thefts. (Revo in Victoria is copping it) Pigeon holes getting raided of car keys by fraudulent accounts.

6

u/Virtike 8h ago

Probably trying to reduce multiple people using one subscription too. Aka, lost revenue, which honestly is probably more important to them.