Bitcoin ATM with fingerprint reader and eye scanner launched in Canberra

A recently launched Bitcoin ATM in the Canberra Centre is also equipped with a fingerprint reader and eye scanner.

It is reportedly Australia's third Bitcoin ATM, the others located in Sydney and Melbourne. It exchanges bitcoins for dollars and vice versa.

The ATM was created by Australian Bitcoin ATMs (ABA), which plans on launching 100 units in the country by the end of next year.

Users register their mobile number, which is sent a PIN for verification. The machine then requires fingerprint and eye scans. Biometric security features, such as those found on the Nymi Wristband, may become an indispensable part of Bitcoin transactions, which have become highly susceptible to hacking and theft.

Canberra has become Australia's Bitcoin haven of sorts, similar to Austin, Texas in the US. Several cafes in the city reportedly accept Bitcoin for payment, as do ACTION Buses, the local public transportation.