H E A L T H I N S I G H T S
Biometric technology can help retailers by giving them an extra level of assurance during the age check process to prevent fines being given .
How can biometric technology ensure compliance ?
Using biometric technology for age checks works by analysing the customer ’ s facial features to predict their age . This can automate the age check process and offer servers an added layer of security and confidence when selling restricted products .
Appearance isn ’ t always a clear indication of a customer ’ s age , and human estimations are subjective – especially when a server is less experienced or unfamiliar with the task . Even when implementing Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 , your staff could vastly misinterpret someone ’ s age without even knowing it .
With biometric technology , however , you can rely on heavily tested algorithms that have a proven track record of accuracy which all our AI-powered age check solutions feature . Both MyCheckr and ICU Lite have been independently tested by the Age Check Certification Scheme ( ACCS ) to determine the discrepancy between estimations and the real ages of a control group , resulting in an average underestimation of just 0.19 years . Therefore , the use of a biometric solution can significantly reduce your risk of selling to underage customers . As well as ensuring vapes and other age-restricted goods are not sold to those who are underage , our solutions can help reduce potential confrontation towards staff that can often arise when challenging customers for ID .
MyCheckr is a stand-alone solution ideal for retailers selling age restricted goods such as vapes . Already being utilised in a number of convenience stores it is equipped with a camera and a screen that predicts a customer ’ s age quickly and completely anonymously . For a solution that can work with existing POS systems or even vending machines , ICU Lite , a compact plug-in device , can completely automate the age check process .
Being one of the first biometric age estimation devices to receive GDPR accreditation , it means that by using our solutions there is no need for retailers to worry about data privacy as no images are stored on our devices . Plus , its affordable for even the smallest retail outlet , available at a one-off cost , with no charges per individual age check .
Major issue in secondary schools
In a recent OPSS ( Office for Product Safety and Standards ) Expert panel on Age Restrictions , Mr Glyn Potts , Headteacher at Newman RC College in Oldham spoke about the challenges of vaping among the children attending his high school .
Glyn said : “ What we need , is far greater legislation alongside more evidence of the harmful impact of such devices . This is not an issue for schools , but an issue for society and if not tackled could become the big new tobacco issue .”
It is a major issue in Scotland where charity Young Scot are working with ASH Scotland on an e-cigarette ’ s information campaign following a national survey of young people which found very high levels of e-cigarette use within Secondary Schools . The ASH Scotland survey found that one in 10 pupils now regularly vape and e-cigarettes used by 15-year olds had tripled in the last five years .
Industry-wide collaboration
Research suggests that vape-use amongst teens is only going to increase if action is not taken now .
Parents , Government and authorities must educate children on the risks . There needs to be more control on packaging and marketing strategies – current colours , flavours and names are clearly attractive to children . Vapes need to be displayed in a more responsible way near the cigarettes rather than at tills where sweets and chocolate are . Underage TikTok users being gifted vapes ( rather than selling them which would be deemed illegal ) to try and market to their followers is another loophole that needs to be closed .
All these things will take time to come to fruition but one thing that is available to help now is biometric technology . Retailers can utilise this technology to assist with age checks to prevent vapes being sold to minors and the resultant fines . �
www . intelligenthealth . tech 19