Pubs and shops in England and Wales will be able to use digital ID apps to verify customers' ages starting Tuesday, according to new rules. The government claims the change will make age checks quicker and more secure, allowing customers to use apps from approved suppliers such as Yoti, Luciditi, or the Post Office. The move is part of a voluntary scheme that does not mandate digital ID, though businesses may choose to adopt it. The government has not specified how each app must function, maintaining a technology-agnostic approach.

The scheme aims to reduce the amount of personal data shared during age verification, with digital ID apps potentially requiring only a face scan and a time-limited QR code. Yoti's app, for instance, will generate a QR code that can be scanned by a business using a free checker app, which will confirm the user's age. The government also wants the digital ID system to work offline and be accessible without mobile data or Wi-Fi. Future plans include extending the scheme to tobacco and vapes, though digital rights campaigners have raised concerns about potential exclusion of certain groups.

Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, called the new rules a 'positive step' and said the industry would work with the government to ensure the scheme is not burdensome for the hospitality sector. He emphasized the need for multiple supplier options and cost efficiency. However, digital rights campaigners like Jasleen Chaggar of Big Brother Watch warned that digital ID could become de facto mandatory, excluding millions who rely on physical ID due to privacy concerns, lack of digital skills, or other reasons. Chaggar urged the government to prohibit businesses from requiring digital IDs without offering reasonable alternatives.

The new rules follow the abandonment of a broader digital ID programme promoted by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which was later scrapped by Andy Burnham. While the government highlights the benefits of digital ID, critics argue that the scheme could inadvertently marginalize those without access to digital technology. Questions remain about how the scheme will be implemented, who will bear the costs, and whether the digital ID system will truly be optional for all businesses.

The government has not yet released details on how the digital ID apps will be regulated or how the system will be monitored for compliance. There is also no indication of how the scheme will be rolled out across different regions or whether there will be a phased implementation. These uncertainties highlight the need for further clarification and public consultation to ensure the scheme is both effective and inclusive. As the policy moves forward, the balance between technological innovation and accessibility will be crucial in determining its success.