Sameera Sabbouh News Today

Biometrics and blockchain technology help Syrians access UN cash, but rights groups voice concern over consent and data use.

AZRAQ, Jordan: At a grocery store checkout in the Jordanian refugee camp of Azraq, Sameera Sabbouh stares wide-eyed into a scanner to pay for her shopping — her iris scan unlocking payment from a digital aid account with the help of block- chain technology. Many of the nearly 40,000 Syrians who live in the camp recognize the convenience of the cashless, card-free payment