ITL’s age verification receives independent certification

Innovative Technology’s age verification device (ICU) has earned independent certification from the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) as a solution qualified to control access to age restricted goods and services.  The ACCS report concluded that ICU is fit for deployment in a Challenge 25 policy area and is at least 98.85% reliable.

Dr Andrew O’Brien, ICU Product Manager announced “We are delighted to be one of the first providers to receive this robust, impartial certification from ACCS which gives us a seal of approval for our artificial intelligence (AI) powered age verification device. The results highlight that on average, ICU underestimates age by only 0.19 years, with a Mean Absolute Error of 1.22 years, making us one of the most accurate providers in the world.  We are particularly proud of this achievement due to all the hard work which has gone into developing our own algorithms; using novel approaches to accurately verify age. The challenge now is to keep improving and continue to be at the forefront of delivering world leading results.”

Tony Allen, Founder and Chief Executive explained, “The Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) is an independent 3^rd party certification scheme for providers of age restricted sales, content or services. The Age Check Certification Scheme conducts conformity assessment of products, processes and services in accordance with ISO 17065:2013. We basically test that age check systems work and can produce an accurate age attribute output against multiple verification methods and thereby giving providers an independent benchmark.”

ICU utilises specially trained algorithms that can detect fraud attempts using innovative non-intrusive anti-spoof technology which does not require specialist cameras. With ICU, no images or personal data are stored on the device so there are no issues with data compliance. ICU’s ‘age-only’ option gives customers an off-line, affordable solution with a one-off cost which includes unlimited age estimations as standard.

Age check technology is high on the UK Home Office agenda and recently Baroness Williams of Trafford announced that both on and off licenced retailers, bars and restaurants have been invited to put forward proposals to trial new technology when carrying out age verification. Retailers who are successful will be able to pilot new technology to improve the process of ID checks in the specific context of the sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003.

Andrew continued, “ICU can help support the 2003 Licencing Act objectives to protect children from harm, ensure public safety and prevent public nuisance and disorder.  It is the responsibility of organisations to ensure they do not sell age-restricted products (both on their premises and online) or provide age-restricted services to people who are under the minimum legal age. Humans tend to have a bias when predicting age and can be reluctant to challenge a person for fear of intimidation.”

“ICU minimises any bias and removes the burden of determining age from the retailer to help decrease the risk of potential violence or abuse. The technology can determine quickly (less than 1 second) if a person can access age restricted goods – resulting in reduced queuing and transaction time to give a more pleasant customer experience.”

Concluding Dr. O’Brien said, “We are delighted to receive our ‘Certificate of Conformity’  which gives us written independent certification that our product is fit for deployment to determine if an 18-year-old (the nominal age) would be incorrectly estimated as being over 25 (the Challenge Age policy). This independent certification from ACCS reaffirms our position as a leading provider of age verification technology.”

For more information on our ICU leading biometric solutions range please do visit: https://intelligent-identification.com