ConnectID, eftpos’ digital identity solution, is expanding its trial a digital age verification process for online alcohol sales, following a successful trial in partnership with Retail Drinks Australia.

The expanded trial was announced at today’s Liquor Retail Summit and comes ahead of new legislation in New South Wales, that will require consumers to verify their age before they’re able to purchase alcohol online, from July next year.

The initial trial involved connectID, global Identity Service Provider Yoti and Sydney based specialist craft beer retailer Beer Cartel supported by technology partner MyIntegrator, to successfully demonstrate end-to-end transactions, with auditable age verification.

The expanded trial will now involve additional online liquor merchants and further Identity Service Providers, including Australia Post.

Eftpos’ Entrepreneur in Residence Rob Allen said the trial demonstrates how digital identity technology can lead to the creation of easy to implement ‘industry-led’ solutions that are simple for customers.

“We are excited to be working with Retail Drinks Australia, Yoti and Beer Cartel on this very practical example of how digital identity can make life easier and safer for merchants and consumers, and expanding the trial further with new partners,” Allen said.

This solution makes it simple for consumers to identify themselves, while also helping alcohol merchants meet their compliance obligations.

“ConnectID is collaboratively working with state governments, industry associations, businesses and online merchants to simplify and manage a range of customer identity needs and requirements, helping solve compliance requirements for many different sorts of businesses,” Allen said.

Retail Drinks Australia CEO Michael Waters welcomed the expanded trial and said that the association and its members are committed to the responsible promotion, sale and supply of alcohol beverage products.

“We’re pleased to be working collaboratively with partners like eftpos and other stakeholders on this ‘industry-first’ age verification pilot for same day online alcohol sale and delivery that seeks to strike the right balance between good regulation and the freedom to retail responsibly,” Waters said.

Australian Regional Director of Yoti, Darren Pollard said Yoti is delighted to be integrated into the connectID identity exchange which we believe will further support awareness of reusable digital identities in Australia.

“We are excited to participate in this trial to collectively devise an industry-led solution for secure age verification for online alcohol purchases, at both the online point of sale and at delivery which will provide shoppers a secure, safe and quick experience and online retailers a fully compliant solution,” Pollard said.

Eftpos began its new digital identity solution, connectID, mid last year, with the aim of making it easier for Australians to share, store and receive personal identity information online.

While connectID securely facilitates the identity verification or data exchange, it does not store the identity data. Identity service providers store consumer identities and take responsibility for providing this secure information only under the consent of the identity owner.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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