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

Starting Tuesday, alcohol buyers in England and Wales will have the option to use digital ID apps on their phones to verify their age, according to new rules introduced by the government. This technology can be utilized alongside current physical forms of identification, as the government claims it will expedite and enhance the security of age checks for both customers and staff.

Consumers will have the freedom to select from a variety of suppliers such as the Post Office, Yoti, or Luciditi, provided these apps are listed on the government's approved directory.

Under this voluntary digital ID scheme, businesses will no longer be obligated to accept physical ID, although most establishments are expected to comply. The plan is technology-agnostic, meaning the government does not specify how each app must function. Instead, it aims to reduce the amount of personal information customers need to share, such as tapping their phone on a reader or showing a QR code, instead of providing a physical document.

These apps must also ensure that the ID belongs to the individual using it and prevent customers from borrowing devices from older relatives or friends.

Yoti's digital ID app, for instance, will only allow a user to log in if their face matches the one on file. The app then produces a QR code, which can be scanned by a business using a free checker app to confirm the individual's age. This code is only valid for a short period to prevent misuse.

Digital Minister Stephanie Peacock stated that this digital ID option allows individuals to avoid carrying physical ID or disclosing sensitive personal information, potentially making people feel safer during evenings out. Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, welcomed the new regulations, describing them as a "positive step". He emphasized that the hospitality industry would collaborate with the government to ensure the scheme's implementation is not overly burdensome, including providing multiple supplier options and ensuring cost-efficiency.

The government intends for digital ID apps within its scheme to be interoperable, so customers won't need different apps in various venues. They also aim to make these services functional offline and accessible even without mobile data or Wi-Fi. In the future, the digital proof of age scheme might extend to tobacco and vapes. However, digital rights advocates have expressed concerns that such measures could exclude certain groups.

Jasleen Chaggar of Big Brother Watch argued that while multiple ways to prove identity are beneficial, the government should prevent digital ID from becoming effectively mandatory, as it would exclude millions of people who rely on physical ID for various reasons, including privacy, security concerns, or lack of digital skills. The government should explicitly prohibit businesses from requiring digital IDs for age checks without offering reasonable alternatives.