The Retailer Spring Edition 2023

SPRING 2023

25

Also, if retailers want to engage with young people, digital is the way to go. Young people these days don't tend to leave home with multiple items - keys, wallet and phone. They want to be able to do everything using their phone, whether that's payment or proving their age. And so, this is a solution which will allow them to do that. What can businesses do now to prepare for Digital Age Assurance? My best advice is to get involved in the process now, have an active role in the scheme and technology development. This way retailers can guarantee it matches perfectly with their operating model.

What action is the UK Government taking in preparing for the adoption of Digital Age Assurance? The UK Government invited PASS - the national Proof of Age Standards Scheme - to expand its remit to develop a new standard for digital proof of age through a consultative process. Technology partners were also challenged with putting in place the sys tems and infrastructure to create an interoperable scheme for Acceptors, Issuers and technology providers that would enable a customer to digitally verify their age using their mobile phone. Fujitsu has been appointed by PASS as the partner to develop the scheme and enable digital age controls to be introduced into self-service and assisted sales channels. The Home Office is consulting on amendments to current legislation. If positive, the next step would be the approval of a minor change to the law by Parliament. In my opinion, this could be all set for implementation by the end of 2023. What will Digital Age Assurance enable retailers and customers to do that they can’t do today? It’s a game changer for customers, to no longer be left waiting for a member of staff to come and check their age. This will enable retailers to allocate their workforce to more precious areas. Think about self-service tills, scan and pay, click and collect, vending and home delivery; all these areas of service will benefit in customer convenience and experience, improved colleague productivity and safety, as well as cost savings. Another important improvement is that it can drastically reduce conflict and potential violence and abuse towards colleagues in store. Technology removes the need for members of staff to make assumptions around people’s age.

Fujitsu’s digital age verification solutions are designed to generate value for your business. Find out more.

David Nicholls david.nicholls@fujitsu.com

Iain Corby iain@avpassociation.com