ICU, the age verification device from Innovative Technology, has earned independent recognition 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.
‘We’re 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’, said Dr Andrew O’Brien, ICU Product Manager. ‘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 of ACCS, put the achievement in context: ‘The Age Check Certification Scheme is an independent 3rd party certification scheme for providers of age restricted sales, content or services’ he said. ‘The schemeconducts 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.’
Unlimited age estimations come as standard
So, how does it work? ICU utilises algorithms that can detect fraud attempts by 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 data compliance issues. 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 a hot topic: it’s 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 age verification technology. 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. ‘We are delighted to receive our ‘Certificate of Conformity’ which gives us written assurance that our product is fit for deployment and thisindependent accreditation from ACCS underpins our position as a leading provider of age verification technology.’
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