A computer-implemented augmented reality-based method provides a user device access to data content by processing of camera image captured by the user device to identify a candidate visual area, which are then processed to identify visual features indicative of available data content. The identified features are compared to visual features of database objects indicative of available data content, and a determination made regarding the object that corresponds to the identified features. Instructions are then generated to augment a display of the camera image with selectable image features. In response to a selection of one of the selectable image features, a determination is made regarding whether the user device has permission to access the data content associated with the selected image feature. If not, a payment settlement arrangement is implemented for the user device to gain access permission to the data content.