Age and biometric verification platform IKE Tech has developed a technology solution that could help retailers to prevent underage vape consumption.
The new technology makes it possible for each vape on sale in the UK market to include secure Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which acts as a ‘child lock’ to prevent under-18s from using vaping devices. Only vape users who can continuously prove they are over the age of 18 will be able to activate and use the devices.
John Patterson, Senior Vice President at IKE Tech, says: “Eliminating youth usage must combine measures at both point-of-purchase and point-of-use. Many retailers already do a great job at implementing in-store age verification policies such as Challenge 25, however, the new technology provides a secure ’double age-gate’ to also prevent access at the point of use”.
The IKE tech works through a small, low-cost chip integrated into a vape device that is controlled via a mobile app, working in partnership with global identity verification partners to authenticate users. The tech solution works with any brand of vape and does not impact device performance for adult users.
IKE is calling on the Government to mandate the use of similar open technology to ensure that young people cannot use vapes without verifying that they are of legal age.
Patterson concludes: “The technology helps to reassure retailers that if genuine age-verification errors are made at point of purchase – or proxy purchasing takes place – any underage users will not be able to access the product as it would be inoperable until the user’s identity and age is verified and confirmed on a continuous basis.
“By embracing this new technology, responsible manufacturers would be showing their support for retail partners in helping to safeguard the category and preserve the harm reduction benefits of vaping for adult smokers. The industry is ripe for technological disruption to cut short this problem, and continuous age-verification at the point of use can be that solution.”
