Pubs in England and Wales to allow digital ID apps to prove age

Starting from Tuesday, individuals purchasing alcohol will have the option to use a digital ID application on their smartphones to verify their age. This new measure allows pubs and retailers in England and Wales to accept digital IDs alongside traditional physical forms of identification. According to the government, introducing a digital alternative aims to streamline and enhance the security of age-verification processes for both patrons and staff.

Customers seeking to use a digital ID can select from various providers, including the Post Office, Yoti, or Luciditi, as long as these apps are listed on a government-approved register. While businesses will no longer be mandated to accept physical ID under the new approach, officials believe that most venues will continue to do so. The scheme is designed to be technology-neutral, meaning the government is not imposing specific technical requirements on how the apps should function.

A key benefit of the voluntary digital ID system is that it allows users to share fewer personal details with establishments. Instead of physically handing over an official document, individuals might simply tap their phone against a reader or present a QR code for scanning. To prevent misuse, the digital ID apps must verify that the person presenting the ID is its rightful owner and not, for example, borrowing a device from someone older. Yoti’s app uses facial recognition to confirm that the user matches the original registrant before generating a time-sensitive QR code that can be scanned by the venue to confirm age.

Digital government minister Stephanie Peacock highlighted that having a digital ID option means users “do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information,” which should make people “feel safer on a night out.” Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, welcomed the change as a “positive step” and emphasized the industry’s willingness to collaborate with the government to ensure that implementing the system is not onerous. This cooperation aims to provide a range of suppliers for the apps and keep costs manageable for hospitality businesses.

To enhance convenience, the government intends for digital ID apps under this scheme to be interoperable, so customers won’t require different apps at different locations. The services are also expected to function offline without needing mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. There is potential to expand this digital age-verification method to products like tobacco and vaping items in the future.

However, digital rights advocates have raised concerns about possible exclusion. Jasleen Chaggar from Big Brother Watch acknowledged the benefits of multiple identity verification methods but cautioned that digital ID should not become mandatory, as it could exclude many people. She noted, “Many people have legitimate reasons for relying on physical ID, whether out of choice, privacy and security concerns, or because they lack the digital skills or means to use digital ID.” Chaggar urged the government to ensure that businesses must offer reasonable alternatives alongside digital options.

These changes follow a broader digital ID initiative once promoted by a former Prime Minister, which faced significant controversy and was eventually abandoned. The new approach focuses primarily on age verification related to alcohol purchases

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More