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Why You Should Have Stronger Age Verification Methods on Your Website

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As a business owner, not only do you have a moral obligation to, but also a legal obligation to to ensure you’re not selling age restricted products to minors. It seems simple, just put an “Are you over 18 or 21?” button on your website right? Wrong! Just having this button in place does not actually verify age, meaning your business might not be in compliance with the law. 

Regulations Based on Industry

What are some of the most common e-commerce age verification purchases being made online? 

To buy or sell vapes online or other e-cigarettes and tobacco products is extremely common, but you have to be at least 21 to purchase. However, a study by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that in North Carolina, minors were successfully purchasing these age restricted products without any age verification an astounding 95% of the time.

Similar requirements are in place to sell cannabis online. Buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase cannabis. However, it is a little trickier to successfully purchase marijuana as a minor because upon delivery (if that is available in your state), you must present an ID for inspection before the goods are handed off to you.

For online alcohol purchases, you again have to be 21, but that doesn’t stop teens trying to buy a drink. An article published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that 45% of alcohol purchase attempts made by underage persons were successful, even despite using their real ID. That leads to a whole other compliance issue, but for now, we are focused on the online aspect of things. As a business owner, do you know how to sell wine online will remaining compliant with state and federal laws? Age verification can help.

One final major industry where age verification is key, online gambling. You are supposed to be 21 to legally gamble, but that hasn’t stopped the children of the internet age. A study found that between 4-8% of youth between the ages of 12-17 years old have a “very serious gambling problem”, while 10-15% more are at risk of developing a gambling addiction. While in person gambling is strictly regulated, the online version is a little murkier. Due to the anonymity and ease of access of online gambling, it has become very easy for minors to gamble if they so desire. 

How Can You Remain Compliant Using E-Commerce Age Verification Methods?

Based on your industry, there are a number of precautions you can take to ensure compliance. An easy one is to scan an ID for age verification upon delivery of an age restricted product. A more secure, but still relatively easy method is to add an age verification button to your website. Now, you might think, “I already have one”, but if you’re not taking extra steps past the simple click of a button, your business isn’t truly verifying the age of your customers. This is where IDScan.net comes into the picture.

Adding that little button asking if the customer is older than 21 is a great first step, but what comes next? Our software can be quickly and easily integrated into your existing platform to require that your customers are sent a text message where they can scan their ID, as well as take a selfie that is then analyzed via AI technology to help verify your customer’s age. Our facial recognition technology, anti-spoofing checks, and liveness checks, combined with the physical ID photo that is uploaded, can quickly and easily verify age and ensure your business is taking the proper steps needed to remain compliant. 

Here at IDScan.net we are constantly testing and teaching our AI to help ensure security and compliance of the highest standard. To learn more about how our solutions can be integrated into your business or about ID Scanning Laws in your state, please visit our website, or set up an appointment with one of our industry experts.

Do Dispensaries Share My Information with the Government?

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The protection of one’s personal information is a touchy subject, especially when it comes to cannabis. Although legal in X states, it is still not legal at the federal level, and many employers still drug test for THC. For these reasons, many dispensary customers are concerned about retention and sharing of their personal information. 

We frequently see Reddit threads asking for clarification on why dispensaries scan their ID and/or record their personal information:

Dispensary asked for my ID and took my info – should I be worried?

Do dispensaries record your license info?

Visited a dispensary – Is my security clearance screwed?

Are IDs being scanned at dispensaries for recreational purchase?

Often, the responses can be a bit alarmist. 

As experts in dispensary ID scanning, and data retention policies, we want to clear up misconceptions, put consumers’ minds at ease, and share our knowledge about best practices for age verification for dispensaries. So what happens when your ID is scanned while purchasing cannabis or cannabis related products? 

First, the answer depends on whether the cannabis you’re purchasing (or dispensary you’re visiting) is recreational use or medical use. Most states have different regulations and governing bodies for medical and recreational marijuana. 

Data Privacy for Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries

As for recreational use, things get a bit trickier, and it often varies on a state by state basis with some states banning the sharing of personal information with the government entirely. All states require age verification of consumers before cannabis purchase, and three states (Nevada, Illinois, and New Jersey) require that age verification be performed digitally, using an ID scanner, to better detect fake IDs.

Currently, New Jersey is the only state we are aware of that requires that audit logs be shared with the state NJCRC. However, these audit logs contain no PII except for date of birth, so they could not be used to identify a specific customer or purchase at a New Jersey dispensary. 

States such as Illinois, Montana, and California all have set limits for retention of PII, from Illinois (where no PII can be retained from an ID scan), to Montana (where data can be retained for up to 180 days). These states are taking active measures to ensure PII is regularly removed from the system, and that privacy of cannabis purchasers is a priority for dispensaries. 

The other main reason that dispensaries store your personal information is to ensure you stay within the legal purchase limits, which vary by state. By scanning your ID and storing your personal information in a general system for a short amount of time, it ensures that both you and the business are protected from exceeding your daily maximum. For dispensaries with multiple locations they will likely share your purchase amount with a centralized database to combat looping. 

For dispensaries, if they are found to be violating daily maximum laws they can be fined, or even lose their license. So tracking daily maximums for each customer is crucial. Owners of a Colorado dispensary were sentenced to prison in 2019 for looping that allowed more than 2.5 tons of marijuana to hit the black market. 

Whether or not the business is digitally scanning, they are likely still entering your information into their CRM or database for the purpose of internal marketing. The dispensary market is highly competitive, and sending marketing emails, SMS messages, or even direct-mail coupons, can help retain customers. By creating a customer profile and tracking your purchase habits, the company has a better chance of selling more to you in the future. 

Data Privacy for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Data privacy and retention for medical marijuana vary by state. 

Most states, such as Florida, have a Medical Marijuana Registry, which is used to issue a Medical Marijuana Card that includes a photo ID that is physically sent as part of the registration process. This card must be shown to gain entry to dispensaries (and in some cases swiped). However, because these  HIPAA records are legally required to be kept private, thus protecting personal information related to prescribed cannabis purchase. To get a medical marijuana card, you must receive a recommendation from a certified physician upon diagnosis of a qualifying condition, and then apply with their government entity.

The following states issue medical marijuana cards and have centralized databases of all eligible patients, and do not offer recreational marijuana (and therefore no ability for legal purchase without sharing PII with the government). 

Louisiana is another example of a medical-only state, but one that does not use cards, or have a centralized database of any kind. After assessment by a physician, the recommendation may be made for cannabis to be part of your treatment plan. The doctor will then send the recommendation to a dispensary, thus allowing the patient to purchase medical marijuana – similar to the way a pharmacy works for prescription pills. The only records of the cannabis prescription and purchase are with the prescribing physician and the dispensary. 

Because the vast majority of insurance companies do not cover prescribed cannabis, they do not hold any records for the prescription or coverage for the product. So there is less opportunity for a paper trail than other prescriptions where the insurance company will also hold a detailed record. 

As many states legalize recreational cannabis, the need for stringent medical marijuana programs lessens, and fewer patients utilize the more stringent model of verification and product purchase. So if staying off of any government lists or databases is important you may want to forego a cannabis prescription and purchase via recreational channels. 

Summary

The short answer to the question of whether or not recreational dispensaries are sharing your information with the government is: no. Why are we so confident?

  • No state Cannabis Control Board requires that dispensaries share PII on their customers. 
  • Many state Cannabis Control Boards specifically require that dispensaries dump PII and/or require reasonable measures to ensure privacy of their customers.
  • There is no federal Cannabis Control organization, and states do not share data between them.
  • There is no mechanism or format for collection of customer information that could be readily exported and shared with any government or private entity.
  • The largest POS systems are configured to save information that is relevant to customer loyalty and marketing.

So don’t worry: your cannabis purchases are not being tracked at either the state or federal level, and even if your favorite dispensary scans your ID, they are simply verifying your age and streamlining the creation of your customer profile. No PII is exported or shared with the government. 

Either way, IDScan.net is here to help guide you in the selling process. To learn more about ID scanning in the cannabis industry, download your ID Scanning & Compliance Guide for Dispensaries and  be sure to contact one of our industry experts.

Incidents of Fake IDs Being Used For Stealing Cars On Test Drives

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Fraud comes in many forms. Test drive fraud often comes in the form of someone posing as a serious buyer and then stealing a car. This is often done by going to a dealership, asking to test drive a car, presenting the dealership with an ID (most of the time fake, but sometimes real), then taking the car for a test drive and never returning. If you have ever been conned into a situation like this, you might have felt angry or embarrassed at the time, but know you’re not alone. We have linked to several instances of test drive fraud, and will continually update the links below, so give them a read and learn more about how these criminals are committing fraud.

Instances of Test Drive Fraud:

September 5, 2022

Woman stole vehicle from CarMax in test drive : BPD

August 29, 2022

SPD: Woman steals test drive vehicle, found with six knives

July 28, 2022:

Man charged after taking car from Green Bay dealership during test drive. 

April 12, 2022

Man arrested over string of alleged test drive vehicle thefts

February 14, 2022

Woman accused of using fake IDs to steal cars from dealerships during test drives

June 29, 2021

Two men accused of stealing car after test drive

September 12, 2017

Cars are being stolen during test drives, Calgary police warn

So as you can see, the stories are endless. Criminals are getting bolder and bolder, but that doesn’t necessarily mean smarter. Many times people will present IDs that look real to the naked eye, but upon inspection with a scanner and software combo, these IDs will flag as fake, and your company could be spared tens of thousands of dollars. Contact one of our industry experts to learn more about how your business can prevent test drive fraud.

How Do Scannable Fake IDs Work?

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How do scannable fake IDs work? Before we answer that question, it is important to understand how IDs store information. Arguably the most important feature is the PDF417 barcode. This strip contains a plethora of information, such as name, address, DOB, height, weight, etc., that identifies a person. The vast majority of ID scanning solutions and ID scanning hardware utilize the 2D barcode to verify age and identity. The 2D barcode is also used for parsing IDs into software such as CRMs or POS, since each field can be uniquely identified.

Most IDs also feature a 1D Barcode that contains the state code and ID number. 

Almost equally as important as the PDF417 barcode is all the information printed in the front of the ID card. In a perfect world, all of the information stored in the PDF417 and 1D barcode would match the information printed on the front of the card, but that is where fake IDs can stand out.

Front/Back Matching

When criminals that create fake IDs market their IDs, they obviously want to market them as “scannable fake IDs”, because without that function, they might as well be useless. But, it is much easier to print the information on the front of a fake ID than it is to forge a PDF417 and 1D barcode. For that reason, when these “creators” purchase fake IDs to forge for other people, they often buy real IDs that have already been encoded with information in the PDF417 and 1D barcodes. They simply reprint the information on the front of the card to match the, often underage, person buying the fake ID. So how can you tell if the information doesn’t match?

This is where ID Scanning technology comes into play. By using an ID Scanning/Parsing software, a scanner can read the information that has been encoded in the barcodes while simultaneously taking a picture of the front. By using OCR (Optical Character Recognition), the software compares the picture and characters on the front of the ID to the information encoded in the back, and if those bits of information don’t match up, the ID is almost always fake. Now, that is not to say that the software will catch fake IDs 100% of the time, because that is impossible, but with the right technology, your business can do its part to cut down on fake ID use while ensuring compliance.

Lighting Checks

In addition to the Barcode vs OCR comparison, another security measure that can be harder to forge is the addition of UV Ink. This security feature is specialized to hide state specific text and images on an ID that can only be seen in specific lighting. Cue infrared, ultraviolet, and white light scanning. A scanner like the E-Seek M500, in conjunction with our software, scans the ID at three different light wavelengths in order to check for the addition of these security features. If the scanner/software does not detect the UV Ink, the ID in question is likely a fake.

Holograms and Watermarks

Holograms and/or Watermarks can be one final test of an IDs legitimacy. This feature creates a 3D effect that can be seen on flat surfaces. To create this effect, the image is made using nanostructures that will refract light in a specific way, thus making the 2D image appear 3D. This feature is hard for criminals to forge because this technique can only be done using highly specialized lab equipment. That being said, it is possible to create a simple hologram, but again, this is where a hardware and software combination comes into play. The E-Seek M500 can use the UV light previously discussed and look at the hologram in detail. So much so, that when combined with our software, it can tell you if the hologram is the wrong one for the state in question.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about how our scanning software can help protect your business against fake ID use, be sure to contact one of our industry experts.

back of driver's license

The Anatomy of a Driver’s License

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Driver’s licenses contain a plethora of information on a 2 ⅛ x 3 ⅜ card. But what does it all mean? Here’s a breakdown of everything included on the back of your ID and how it’s used to verify your identity. 

  1. PDF417 barcode: This is used for storing personal information, including name, gender, date of birth, height, and weight. “PDF” stands for Portable Data File and the “417” signifies that each pattern in the code consists of 4 bars and spaces in a pattern that is 17 units long.
  2. Microprint background: The microprint background is a high-end authentication feature. It refers to the use of microscopic patterns on a document or ID card that cannot be reproduced through conventional photocopying devices. Microprint is typically not visible to the naked eye and requires magnification to verify.
  3. Photo ID mirrored image: The photo ID mirrored image is used as a reference with face matching authentication. Facial matching technology can create a face template from a webcam, from their ID photo, from another photo, or from a selfie camera. Next time you see the face, the image will be matched against the template you have saved.
  4. Organ donor symbol: The organ donor symbol is cross-referenced with the information in the PDF417 barcode and on the front of the ID. The red heart is a legally binding consent to be an organ and eye donor.
  5. State seal: The state seal is used for ID series detection. Often, state seals are holograms that are used for high-level authentication.
  6. Magnetic stripe: The magnetic stripe contains information on the front of the license, such as name, date of birth, and address. It is used for front and back matching.
  7. 1D barcode: The 1D barcode contains the state code and ID number. The state code is a two digit number.
  8. DOB and issue date: The date of birth (DOB) and issue date are compared to information on the front of the ID.
  9. Class/restrictions/endorsements: This information is compared to information on the front of ID. Class D is a regular operator.

While every state’s driver’s license varies slightly, this diagram gives a good overview of the elements likely included on your ID. Read more about ID verification and authentication here or contact us for information on our ID scanning solutions.

web3 computers

Web3 and Identity Verification

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What is Web3?

Characterized by online sharing, social media platforms, and content creation, web 2.0 has defined the last two decades. It gave rise to what we call digital identity, and as we surfed the net we left digital footprints, chock full of valuable data which was owned by powerful third parties. When it came to identity verification, intermediaries, such as banks, authenticated the legitimacy of consumers.  

Enter Web3, the latest iteration of the internet,  the hallmark of which is a decentralization that allows users–rather than corporations– to control their own data and identity.

Before proceeding, it’s important to understand two concepts: the metaverse and self-sovereign identity (SSI)

The Metaverse

Inherent to web3 is the concept of the metaverse. A clear definition is hard to come by, but it is generally understood to be a virtual-reality experience built on the principles of decentralization that gives consumers direct access to whatever they want. In the metaverse, people can interact with friends, buy and trade digital assets, and more. The game Fortnite is an example of a metaverse

Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)

Another concept central to web3 is self-sovereign identity. Currently, digital IDs require that you register at a service with a username/email address and a password, or that you use a third party login service like “Login with Facebook/Google.” Consumers currently own, on average, up to 200 accounts, with passwords, tied to the same email address. 

Conversely, self-sovereign identity is an identity you own. It represents a paradigm shift in identity verification away from third parties. Self-sovereign identity relies on blockchain technology, which is a record of encrypted, time-stamped series of data that is unchangeable and managed by a network of computers rather than a single, centralized system.

Identity Authentication in Web3

In the future, a likely identity verification scenario is this: Passwords will be a thing of the past, and authentication  techniques will rely on blockchain technology-enabled digital wallets to admit users–or their avatars– into a virtual experience. Consumers will have control over what data they share and will be able to prove their identity without revealing the data itself. That data will be owned by them rather than intermediaries. 

Web3 is still an emerging concept, so there’s much we don’t know about how it will affect ID authentication. But the list of industries leveraging SSI is growing daily, so it’s important to understand both its implications and how to adapt your business to the evolving infrastructure. 

For information on IDScan.net’s identity verification solutions, contact us.

airport

ID Scanning and Smart Airports

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From checking bags to boarding the plane, tech-driven id scanning solutions are transforming the airline industry. But in the rush to create frictionless travel experiences, are some airlines missing the goalpost? 

Smart Airports

Airports today are in a race to provide a seamless, touch-free passenger experience.  Some airports are already employing end-to-end identity verification solutions that simplify the juggernauts surrounding luggage checking, security checks, and boarding the airplane. In Spain, two airports, Valencia (VLC) and Bilbao (BIO), have installed more than 45 automatic border control gates that use facial recognition and automatic document verification.  Los Angeles (LAX) announced in January that 100% of their security checkpoints are using touchless ID scanners. The Dubai airport features Smart Gates, which customers can pass through by simply looking at a green light.

Baggage Check Headaches

Spirit Airlines has entered the smart airport fray and is now using ID scanning technology to check luggage. The process is simple. Passengers must opt-in to the automated system. They will be asked to scan a photo ID, and the hardware then uses facial recognition to match the passenger to the ID and that person’s flight reservation. Once the match is successful, the passenger can drop their bags off.

The airline currently processes approximately 2,700 bags a day at busy airports such as LAX, so it’s critical that their identity verification software is up to the task. But experiences at the airline kiosks prove otherwise, with smart kiosks failing to scan IDs effectively, requiring airport personnel to swipe their badges to complete the process. 

Why aren’t the ID scanners working? Because there’s more than one way to scan an ID, and choosing the optimal method is paramount. 

OCR vs 2D Barcode Scanning

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts an image of text into a machine readable text format. But it has limitations, and was not intended to extract data from a document with small fields and dark type against security features, such as holograms, watermarks, and microprint.  Additionally, it was originally intended to be used with a flatbed scanner. While OCR can extract data from a driver’s license or passport, it isn’t optimal. In the best conditions, OCR accuracy levels are within 79% to 89%. For these reasons, the best identity verification solutions don’t rely on OCR alone.

A 2D barcode, on the other hand, uses symbologies–patterns, shapes, and dots–to encrypt information. Symbologies are very useful for important documents, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and boarding passes. Having all of the information in a symbology allows for an extra security measure to ensure that the information on a document is the same as in the data format. They can store up to 4,000 characters or 7,000 digits. 

The symbol systems in a 2D barcode can be read with a camera and a scanner. 2D barcode scanning software has a 99% accuracy and scanning rate.  

By using OCR software rather than 2D barcode scanning software, Spirit Airlines has derailed their efforts to eliminate a traveler touchpoint. 

Denis Petrov, CEO of IDScan.net, a leading developer of AI powered identity verification technology,  observed, “The design of the dataflow of the Self Bag Drop kiosk is clearly flawed, because it requires that customers scan the FRONT of the ID versus the BACK of the ID, which is the most reliable way of capturing and verifying customer information via PDF417 2D barcode.”

The ID Scanning Software Solution

“IDScan.net has pioneered dependable and innovative technology that scans both sides of an ID then compares it with the person in front of the kiosk, verifying not just their identity but also other factors, such as age,” Petrov says, “As an extra layer of validation, the technology can also perform third-party checks.”  Third-party checks validate details about an individual using services such as DMV data verification, IdentiFraud, criminal background checks and even watch lists.  

IDScan.net has created customized ID scanner solutions for more than 6,500 of the world’s most trusted brands across all industries. 

For more information on solutions utilizing 2D barcode scanning, contact us.

cannabis jar

Nevada Cannabis Lounges to Require ID Scanning

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Cannabis consumption lounges, where adults 21 and older can openly use marijuana products, are set to open in Nevada by the end of 2022. 

Establishments will be required to use ID scanning to verify the age of their customers.

The regulation reads as follows:

15.015 Duties of cannabis establishment agent for a cannabis consumption lounge before sale to consumer. Before a cannabis establishment agent allows access into the facility and prior to selling single-use cannabis products or ready-to-consume cannabis products to a consumer, the cannabis establishment agent shall: 1. Verify the age of the consumer by checking and authenticating a government-issued identification card containing a photograph of the consumer using an identification scanner approved by the appropriate Board Agent to determine the validity and authenticity of any government-issued identification card as well as visually inspect the birthdate on the form of identification presented…

The cannabis consumption lounges mark the first major expansion of Nevada’s cannabis industry since legalization in 2017. 

For more information on identity verification solutions tailored to the cannabis industry, visit IDScan.net.

justice scales

ID Scanners and Affirmative Defense

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Today, about 12.5% of high school students and 32.2% college students admit to possessing a fake ID. With those numbers, bartenders and budtenders are at a high risk for selling to underage individuals. But what happens if a retailer–or ID scanner– is fooled by a fake ID? 

Many jurisdictions allow affirmative defense, which exonerates those retailers deemed to have taken all reasonable precautions to ensure that an ID is legitimate and as a result served an underaged patron. Additionally, some states specify that using an ID scanner further strengthens an establishments ability to use the affirmative defense.

What is Reasonable?

It is expected that retailers take the following steps when checking IDs. First, they must ask for the ID. Second, the IDs need to be inspected for both the date of birth and the expiration date. Third, the merchant is required to ensure that the photo ID matches the person presenting it. 

ID Scanning and Affirmative Defense 

The best way to ensure an affirmative defense is to use an ID scanner. Though not all ID scanners are created equal–some use more rigorous checks than others to verify the legitimacy of an ID–they all record the data from a scan, allowing the merchant to prove that they did in fact take reasonable precautions. 

Keep in mind, some states prohibit the storage of ID data as well as the data storage duration, so be sure to check your state guidelines before storing any personal information.    

States with ID Scanner Affirmative Defense 

In the following states, merchants can avoid fines for serving a minor who uses a high quality fake ID if they use an ID scanner: Connecticut, Texas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. 

Does Connecticut have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

The act allows alcoholic liquor permittees, tobacco sellers, and their agents or employees to use a scan device to read the magnetic strip or bar code on a driver’s license or Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV)-issued identity card. They may not be found guilty of selling to a minor if they prove that (1) the cardholder presented a driver’s license or DMV identity card in attempting to buy the liquor or tobacco, (2) their scan of the card indicated it was valid, and (3) the liquor or tobacco was sold in reasonable reliance on the identification and validity of the scan. In determining whether a permittee, tobacco seller, or agent or employee has proven an affirmative defense, the court must consider that the use of a scan does not excuse a permittee or seller from exercising reasonable diligence to determine (1) if the customer is age 21 or older in the case of alcohol or age 18 or older in the case of tobacco and (2) whether the description and picture on the license or card are those of the cardholder.

Does Texas have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this code, for an offense having as an element the age of a person, that:

(1)  a transaction scan device identified the license or certificate of the purchaser as valid and that the person is over 21, and the defendant accessed the information and relied on the results in good faith; or

(2)  if the defendant is the owner of a store in which alcoholic beverages are sold at retail, the offense occurs in connection with a sale by an employee of the owner, and the owner had provided the employee with:

(A)  a transaction scan device in working condition;

(B)  adequate training in the use of the transaction scan device; and

(C)  the defendant did not directly or indirectly encourage the employee to violate the law.

Does New York have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

It shall be an affirmative defense that such person had produced a driver’s license or non-driver identification card apparently  issued by a governmental entity, successfully completed the transaction scan,  and  that  the  alcoholic  beverage  had been  sold, delivered  or  given  to  such  person  in reasonable reliance upon such identification and transaction scan. In evaluating the applicability  of such   affirmative   defense,  the  liquor  authority  shall  take  into consideration any written policy adopted and implemented by  the  seller to  carry  out the provisions of this chapter. Use of a transaction scan shall not excuse any licensee under this chapter, or agent  or  employee of  such  licensee,  from the exercise of reasonable diligence otherwise required by this section.

Does Ohio have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

To amend sections 4301.639, 5733.98, and 5747.98 and to enact sections 2927.021, 2927.022, 4301.61, 4301.611, 5733.50, and 5747.38 of the Revised Code to grant liquor permit holders and sellers of tobacco products, and their agents and employees, an affirmative defense against a charge of selling cigarettes, other tobacco products, beer, intoxicating liquor, or low-alcohol beverages to an underage person if a transaction scan of the purchaser’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or Ohio identification card indicates it is valid; to restrict the use of the information obtained through a transaction scan; to require the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to adopt rules relating to the use of transaction scan devices; and to grant a credit against the corporate franchise or personal income tax for the purchase or lease of a transaction scan device.

Does Pennsylvania have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

(g) In addition to the defenses set forth in subsections (e) and (f), no penalty shall be imposed on a licensee, licensee’s employee or Pennsylvania Liquor Store employee for serving alcohol to a minor if the licensee or employee can establish that the minor was required to produce an identification card as set forth in subsection (a), the identification card is identified as a valid card by a transaction scan device and the identification card and transaction scan results were relied upon in good faith. This defense shall apply to all civil and criminal prosecutions. For purposes of this section, a “transaction scan device” is a device capable of deciphering in an electronically readable format the information encoded on the magnetic strip or bar code of an identification card set forth in subsection (a)

Does West Virginia have affirmative defense for ID scanning?

A licensee, who: (i) Has installed a transaction scan device in its licensed premises; and (ii) can demonstrate that it requires each employee, servant, or agent to verify the age of any individual to whom liquor is sold, furnished, or given away by the use of the transaction device may not be subject to: (A) Any criminal penalties whatsoever; (B) any administrative penalties from the commissioner; or (C) any civil liability whatsoever for the improper sale, furnishing, or giving away of liquor to an individual who is less than twenty-one years of age by one of his or her employees, servants or agents. Any agent, servant, or employee, who has improperly sold, furnished or given away liquor to an individual who is less than twenty-one years of age, is subject to the criminal penalties of subsection (b) of this section. Any agent, servant, or employee, who has improperly sold, furnished or given away liquor to an individual less than twenty-one years of age, is subject to termination from employment, and the employer shall have no civil liability for the termination….

…Information from a transaction scan may not be used or released for any purpose other than to verify compliance or noncompliance of the licensee with the provisions of this article…

To claim the ID scanner affirmative defense, retailers still must exercise common sense procedures, such as checking the ID photo and ensuring that the ID doesn’t look or feel altered. 

For more information about ID scanning and identity verification solutions, contact IDScan.net.

DoorDash delivery

DoorDash Adds ID Verification for Alcohol Delivery

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DoorDash is rolling out new in-app identity verification to ensure that alcohol is delivered only to people over the age of 21. The updated two-step procedure comes on the heels of COVID 19 pandemic, which saw the number of consumers buying alcohol online nearly double, from 19% in 2019 to 44% 2020.  DoorDash currently delivers alcohol in 20 states. 

New ID Scanning Safety Protocols

The new safety protocols build on current steps DoorDash takes to verify that alcohol is delivered safely, which includes customers first uploading a photo of their ID onto the DoorDash platform. The customer’s information is then stored securely for future alcohol purchases. 

To receive the order, DoorDash drivers use their smartphones to scan the front of the customer ID. Each time alcohol is delivered, the customer will need to provide a valid ID to be scanned. Customers also have the option to opt-out or self-exclude themselves from alcohol delivery, much like customers have on many gaming platforms. 

Alcohol purchases require that customers receive the order in person. If someone else accepts the order, DoorDashers will ask to verify their age and scan a valid government issued ID to ensure the recipient is of legal age. It is also important to note that DoorDash will not deliver alcohol to an individual that appears intoxicated. 

For more information on ID scanning and age verification solutions, contact IDScan.net

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