John Lewis has become the first UK retailer to implement AI-powered age checks for online knife sales.
The retailer is using a new technology, developed by Yoti, to estimate shoppers’ ages using facial age estimation, The Times has reported. Customers must consent to having their face scanned, with the result provided in seconds confirming whether the consumer is aged over 18.
The new system coincides with the return of online knife sales at John Lewis, which were prohibited in 2009.
Yoti said the technology is already being used on social media platforms and adult sites and has been approved by Ofcom under the online safety act. The developer says the system is more reliable than human judgement.
Commander Stephen Clayman, who is leading an ongoing review by the National Police Chiefs’ Council into online knife sales, welcomed the initiative, but stressed that more must be done to address the issue, including improved age verification systems.
A John Lewis spokesperson said: “We take safety incredibly seriously and in line with strict government guidelines, have added an additional layer of security when customers purchase knives online.
“By adding facial age estimation at checkout, we can help customers buy from our range of knives, while making sure they aren’t purchased by anyone under the age of 18.”
