Using Razer Pay to get a free mask is not a "ploy"
[ad_1]
On Tuesday, May 12, Razer announced that it will open 20 vending machines in Singapore that will distribute a total of around 5 million free skins to all Singapore residents aged 16 and over.
Here's the trick: they first need to sign up for their Razer Pay mobile wallet, which will issue a QR code after a successful identity verification.
This QR code must be scanned in the vending machine for the collection of masks.
While many have congratulated Razer on this charitable act, there is also a group of people who are skeptical about this initiative.
Related Downloads:
Is there a hidden agenda behind this initiative?
Many netizens have argued that it's just Razer's tactic for people to download and sign up for their new Razer Pay app.
Many others also expressed concerns about the collection of personal data in exchange for a disposable mask and questioned whether this was in accordance with the guidelines of the law on the protection of personal data.
To verify their account on Razer Pay, users must provide personal information such as their names, residential addresses, as well as their NRICs or passport details.
On its website, Razer Pay found it necessary to "Ensure a safe operating environment."
Another concern regarding the use of Razer Pay is that this initiative excludes older people in Singapore, who are less tech savvy. They may not know how to download the app, let alone open an account.
Razer's CEO goes ahead to discredit cynics
Responding to criticism, Razer's CEO, Min-Liang Tan, changed his Facebook post with clarifications.
As for whether this initiative is a disguise for the collection of personal data, Tan said that "it is the only way (whatever they are) able to guarantee that it does not there is no free entry for everyone in the masks ".
We are not the government and we do not have access to identity cards etc. We fully finance this ourselves and we want to make sure that there is no fraud.
– Min-Liang Tan, CEO of Razer
On the Singapore Subreddit, Tan also stressed that "no one is required to register".
He also explained why using Razer Pay is your best option to prevent fraudulent claims of free skins.
We would have liked to use any other system that would allow us to give each Singaporean a mask. But if you think about it, it's easier said than done. There are really very few ways to do it (and I'm really surprised that a non-governmental organization like us is able to do it).
I think it is easy to be cynical and to assume that it is a ploy to get a user base. But honestly, there are easier ways to distribute millions of skins (which everyone needs right now).
– Min-Liang Tan, CEO of Razer
So he has a point, however. Razer doesn't force anyone to buy Razer skins, so if you have to sign up for a Razer Pay account isn't right for you, then don't do it.
It just means you won't get a free mask.
Featured image credit: Razer / Bobby Yip via Reuters