Guidance

Details of the trials

Updated 30 December 2022

1account

1account trialled the use of a digital identity app on mobile phones in one nightclub – Tru – in Camberley. The trial ran from February 2022 to 30 June 2022.

The trial technology required users to set up an account prior to use as a form of digital ID. 1account is a free app which, once downloaded to a smartphone, will guide people through the process of setting up a digital ID.  Key steps include taking a photo of a photographic identity document and taking a selfie with a ‘liveness’ element to ensure that the person applying for the digital ID is who they say they are. Once the application is confirmed the digital ID is created and ready to be used.  1account’s digital ID has a number of security and ‘anti-spoofing’ measures. The digital ID was available to use at Tru for the duration of the trial, in addition to current forms of ID accepted within the venue.

1account collects personal data, including an image of a person’s face, for the creation of a digital ID in line with its published terms and conditions, including its privacy policy, and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. 1account has a robust, certified information security management system and is registered on the Information Commissioner’s Office Data Protection Register.

Asda

Asda trialled the use of facial scan technology at self-service checkouts in their Pudsey stores in Leeds and one store in Stevenage. The trial ran from January 2022 to 30 June 2022.

The trial technology, developed by Yoti, uses an AI algorithm to estimate a customer’s age from their facial scan at the self-service checkout. It was set to refuse any customers deemed to be under the age of 25, and alerted a colleague to perform a manual age check. Customers also had the option to use an app, also developed by Yoti, to prove their age. Prior to use the app required users to set up an account using government-issued ID.

The facial scan takes approximately 3 seconds to estimate the customer’s age. All photographs are permanently deleted as soon as the age estimation process has been completed. The app takes approximately 10 to 15 seconds, and requires the customer to scan a QR code then take a selfie on their mobile. Biometric authentication validates the selfie against the ID registered in the app, to approve the age check.

Co-op

Co-op trialled the use of age estimation technology at self-checkouts in 4 stores across Manchester City Centre: Piccadilly, Angel Street, Spinningfields and Oxford Road stores.

Cameras were installed at each self-checkout. New software provided by our technology suppliers Diebold using Yoti Age Estimation were installed. The software uses a sophisticated algorithm to estimate a customer’s age when buying age restricted products. These images are not stored or shared, and this is not facial recognition. Any customers estimated to be over 25 were able to proceed without colleague intervention. For those below the threshold the technology alerted a colleague to manage the sale. Colleagues were available to oversee the process and intervene where necessary.

The trial ran from November 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu partnered with Nottingham Trent University to trial the use of a mobile app that allows students to use their phones to digitally prove their age when purchasing alcohol at participating bars, licensed venues and retail stores in Nottingham. The trial ran from January 2022 to 31 May 2022.

Students used the app to automatically extract secure passport data and biometric information during the registration process to determine the student’s identity and age. Once registered the student’s age and identity are encrypted and stored as a secure credential on the student’s phone. Registered students can verify their age with the mobile app by completing a simple facial biometric check which is then compared to the credentials captured during the registration process. Once matched the student scans a QR code at the point of sale/entry and a unique one-time certificate will be generated on the mobile device confirming the individual’s age.

The system does not track individual students and no identifiable personal data is shared with or stored by any third parties.

Innovative Technology

Innovative Technology Ltd trialled the use of their ICU age verification technology in three Bestway Retail premises; Bargain Booze, Tippl and Wine Rack in Leeds. The trial ran from February 2022 to 31 May 2022. The technology was used to help retailers abide by the law currently in place to prevent alcohol being mis-sold to anyone underage.

The standalone hardware unit scanned a customer’s face to assess their age from their facial features. The device clearly shows the till operator if a manual ID check is recommended. The LED will turn green if the person in front of the camera is 25 or over and red if the person’s age is estimated to be under 25, prompting the till operator to check ID.  It is designed to be a guide for the till operator to help retailers make more informed judgments in this vital decision-making process.

ICU performs anonymous age estimation completely offline, so no images or data are stored, maintaining privacy. It uses its own algorithms to check age and takes approximately 1 second to perform the age estimation process.

MBJ Technology

MBJ Ltd trialled the use of a digital identity app in 13 bars and night-time economy venues across Liverpool. The trial ran from January 2022 to 30 June 2022.

The trial technology required users to set up an account prior to use as a form of digital ID. VerifiID is a free app which can be downloaded onto smartphones (both ios and Android). Once downloaded to a smartphone, people will be guided through the process of setting up a digital ID. The process takes a few minutes to complete. Users can use a physical form of identification such as passport or driving licence to verify their age, VerifiiD checks the validity of the document and once complete deletes all trace of the original document. Once the application is confirmed the digital ID is created and ready to be used.

All information and data is sent back to the customers phone and is locked there, allowing users to be in complete control of their own data, VerifiID only keep a selfie and very minimal data.

Morrisons

Morrisons trialled the use of facial scan technology at self service checkouts in three of its Leeds stores. The trial ran from February 2022 to 30 June 2022.

The trial technology, developed by Yoti, uses an AI algorithm to estimate a customer’s age from their facial scan at the self service checkout. It is set to refuse any customers deemed to be under the age of 25, and will alert a staff member to perform a manual age check. Customers also had the option to use an app, also developed by Yoti, to prove their age if requested to do so. The app required users to set up an account prior to use as a form of digital ID.

The facial scan takes approximately 1 to 2 seconds to estimate the customer’s age. All photographs are deleted as soon as the age estimation process has been completed.

Sthaler Ltd/FinGo

FinGo trialled the use of biometric finger vein technology in a pop up bar operated by Hatch in Manchester. The trial ran on selected days in June and finished on 30 June 2022.

Prior to use customers were required to set up a Fingo account on their mobile device which authenticates personal identity documents such as a driver license or a passport. FinGo then matches photo of the face on the ID document and compares to a live photo of the customer to verify their identity. Once this step is completed the customer enrols their finger (linking their unique vein pattern) by visiting a supervised finger enrolment kiosk. Once these steps are completed FinGo could be used to provide proof of age at the participating venue.

Tesco

Tesco trialled the use of age estimation technology for click and collect grocery order collection from lockers in their Tiverton store car park. The trial ran from February 2022 to 30 June 2022.

The technology, developed by Yoti, uses an AI algorithm to estimate a customer’s age from their photo taken at the collection point. It was set to refuse any customers deemed to be under the age of 25, and alerted a staff member to perform a manual age check.

It takes approximately 1 to 2 seconds to estimate the customer’s age. All photographs are deleted as soon as the age estimation process has been completed.