"John Lewis Introduces AI-Powered Age Verification for Online Knife Sales: A Step Towards Safer Shopping"

John Lewis has reintroduced online knife sales for the first time since 2009 by implementing an AI-powered age verification system developed by British company Yoti. This technology estimates a customer's age through facial analysis to ensure compliance with legal age restrictions on knife purchases.

The Times

According to John Lewis's customer service information, the facial estimation tool is used at checkout to verify that customers are over 18 when purchasing knives and other bladed items. Customers must allow camera access on their devices for this verification, and no data is saved, as Yoti deletes the photo immediately after the age check.

John Lewis & Partners

The UK government has established a voluntary agreement with major retailers, including John Lewis, to ensure responsible knife sales. This agreement mandates that retailers apply age verification policies, such as 'Think 21' or 'Think 25', to confirm that knives are sold only to individuals aged 18 or over. Retailers are also required to provide staff training on age-restricted sales and to take practical steps to securely display and package knives to minimize risks.

GOV.UK

Despite these measures, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of AI-based age verification systems. An investigation reported by Crikey demonstrated that such a system could be deceived using a stock image and an aging filter, allowing a child to 'purchase' a knife.

Ground News

In response to rising knife crime, compliance with age verification laws is crucial. Serve Legal, a provider of ID and compliance testing, emphasizes the importance of stringent compliance measures to prevent underage knife sales.

Serve Legal

John Lewis's adoption of AI age verification represents a significant step in balancing the convenience of online shopping with the necessity of adhering to legal and safety standards.