ITL responds to data privacy concerns surrounding the use of biometric technology for age estimation

Innovative Technology (ITL), who provide AI-powered biometric solutions using facial analysis technology, have recently taken a number of measures to assure customers that their solutions do not breach any data privacy regulations. Their range, MyCheckr, MyCheckr ^Mini and ICU Lite, performs age estimation to help prevent the sale of age-restricted goods or access to age registered venues to those who are underage – all completely anonymously with the integrity of customers’ data at its core.

Dr Andrew O’Brien, Biometrics Product Manager commented, “Privacy infringements and GDPR compliance rightly attracts much media and industry attention. We hear the concerns of our customers and appreciate how this can be a barrier to the implementation of biometric technology.”

“Our approach to protecting customer privacy has three-key aspects; we never store any data,  all processing is performed locally on the device so we never send data over any network, and finally any data that is processed is automatically deleted afterwards.”

“This privacy centric approach is reflected in the recent renewal of independent GDPR certification from ACCS (The Age Check Certification Scheme) for our age estimation solutions, ICU Lite and MyCheckr.  This key achievement demonstrates UK GDPR compliance, meeting the ACCS 2:2021 Technical Requirements for Data Protection and Privacy, which is approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office.”

Andrew continued, “We have taken legal advice from privacy experts both in the US and Europe regarding compliance. These legal experts have advised that a BIPA (Biometric Information Privacy Act) in the US and DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment) in Europe does not apply or is required, meaning our customers can have confidence in using our age estimation technologies in those regions.”

Concluding Andrew said, “Our age estimation devices continue to be rolled out in a variety of industries including retail, convenience, vaping, gaming and amusement. We believe the measures we have taken will contribute to alleviating any data protection fears and confirms our devices do not store any images or personal data when performing anonymous age estimations. We know that technology is the answer for various industries to protect themselves and help prevent minors from accessing age restricted products or services.  We have proactively taken the steps to ensure transparency in our technology and will continue to listen to the market and our customers to provide guidance and reassurance that privacy is assured when using our solutions.”