A revolutionary 'Digital ID' super-application is poised to transform the way people in the United Kingdom prove their age, potentially consigning the need for physical documents like driving licences and passports to history.
The proposed app, developed by digital identity company Yoti, would function as a one-stop-shop on your smartphone. It aims to simplify age verification for purchasing items such as alcohol, knives, and vapes in supermarkets, corner shops, and pubs.
How the Digital ID App Would Work
The system is designed with security and ease of use at its core. Here's how it's expected to function:
- Secure Verification: Users would first need to verify their identity by scanning a physical document like a passport.
- Digital Credential: The app would then store a secure, certified digital credential on the user's device.
- Quick Scans: To prove their age, a user would simply open the app and allow a retailer to scan a unique QR code. This code reveals only the necessary information – confirming the person is over 18 – without exposing any other personal details like their name or address.
A Solution for Retailers and Consumers
This initiative is seen as a major step forward for both businesses and the public. For retailers, it offers a fast, reliable, and secure method to prevent underage sales, potentially reducing the risk of hefty fines.
For consumers, especially younger adults who may not carry a driving licence, it provides a convenient and always-accessible form of identification. It also addresses privacy concerns by sharing only the minimum required information.
The move is supported by major trade bodies, including the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores, who have long advocated for a digital solution to streamline age checks.
The Path to Widespread Adoption
While the technology is ready, its success hinges on widespread acceptance. The government is reportedly considering the app as a potential tool, and a successful trial could lead to it becoming a standardised method across the country.
This development signals a significant shift towards a more digital society in Britain, where your phone could soon be the only thing you need to carry to prove who you are.
