Ixigo Plans Voice Payments Amid RBI Authentication Rules
Indian travel technology company Ixigo aims to introduce voice-based payments for bookings. The feature is undergoing regulatory review by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure compliance with authentication and security requirements.
Ixigo, an Indian travel technology firm, is developing a new feature that will allow users to make travel bookings using voice commands. This voice-first payment capability is currently undergoing review by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure it complies with the country's digital payment regulations.
The core challenge lies in meeting India's strict authentication requirements, which mandate at least two distinct factors for every domestic digital transaction, including a dynamic element like a one-time password (OTP). While voice payments aim for a frictionless experience, they must demonstrably prove user authorization without compromising security.
Ixigo's Group CEO, Aloke Bajpai, noted that the primary hurdle is not the technology itself but establishing verifiable safeguards. Unlike tap-based transactions, voice commands lack an inherent audit trail. The company is exploring methods to ensure each voice transaction is backed by auditable proof of user consent, potentially through voice biometrics or similar verifiable factors.
The company is also considering agent-assisted models where a human intermediary can manage OTPs, thus adhering to two-factor authentication. This initiative aligns with Ixigo's broader strategy to expand the capabilities of its AI assistant, TARA, integrating voice payments into its existing AI-driven services that have been in development since 2017.
Beyond Ixigo, other companies in India are also experimenting with voice-enabled payments. For instance, Gnani.ai has partnered with Razorpay to facilitate UPI payments during customer service calls. The increasing investment in AI technologies, including voice AI, highlights the sector's growing potential and adoption.