A face in the crowd

With the average e-commerce order, the identity of the delivery driver isn't a big concern for the customer. After all, it hardly matters to them who will be dropping off the coffee beans or running shoes they just bought online. However, certain types of orders—such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals—require far more stringent security, as both the buying and selling parties may be required to establish a chain of custody and proof of delivery.

According to one blockchain logistics startup, the solution is facial recognition. Serve, a tech firm based in the Cayman Islands, says it has integrated its biometrics technology with its blockchain logistics platform to help users secure every step of the delivery process.

The firm says its solutions are designed for applications in the transportation, logistics, and retail sectors, making secure last-mile delivery a viable option for users ranging from global businesses to mom-and-pop companies.

The product comes as facial recognition sees increasing application, ranging from the Apple iPhone's biometric passcodes to police department efforts to track suspected criminals. The technology is also raising privacy concerns, however. In mid May, San Francisco passed an ordinance banning municipal agencies from buying facial-recognition technology.