Jersey nightclubs and festivals to accept identity app Yoti

Wednesday 20 June 2018

Islanders can now use digital identity app Yoti to get into nightclubs and events.

The free app aims to replace the need to carry around multiple ID documents by securely storing all user information in one place, protected by both facial recognition and a pincode.

Yoti was named as the States' digital ID provider in March. It will allow islanders to access government services ranging from checking their social security contributions to health records, and, in time, could allow them to prove their identity when signing ePetitions and voting.

Verifying the age of people on nights out is the first use of the technology in the island, and is supported by the Police. Assistant Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden, who led efforts to digitise government services, explained earlier this year that the Police had demonstrated an interest in using the app to help clamp down on underage drinkers – who Express previously revealed were using social media to track down and borrow the ID of ‘twins’.

Video: Yoti's age verification technology in action. (Yoti/YouTube)

The first nightclubs to accept Yoti include Ce Soir, Rojo, Havana and Tanguys. Islanders will also be able to use Yoti as proof of ID at the Weekender Festival and Out-There events. 

Sergeant Paul Kemp, from the Police Licensing Unit said: “We have worked closely with Yoti and our colleagues in the licensing trade on this project and we welcome the use of Yoti in our local nightclubs and pubs. We hope this will help to prevent under-age drinking and the associated harm that it can cause.

"As well as preventing the swapping and lending of ID by young people it also offers the ability to prove your age and identity without having to take valuable documents, such as passports and driving licences, every time you go out.”

Pictured: Islanders will be able to use Yoti at the Weekender Festival.

Warren Le Sueur, Director of The Weekender Festival added: “I’m very excited to announce our partnership with Yoti. I believe it is the future of ID and the app helps reduce underage drinking and lost ID documents, two issues that have been a focus for us for a number of years.

"Young people carrying around valuable passports is an old method and potentially poses a security risk which the free Yoti app solves. I really do believe this is the perfect and most progressive solution we have been yearning for.”

Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti said: “Yoti’s selection as Jersey’s digital ID provider was a huge milestone for the team and we’re delighted to start rolling out to businesses and venues on the island. Citizens and international visitors will be able to prove their age and identity in a simple and secure way, and enjoy going to nightclubs and events without worrying about losing valuable ID documents.”

Video: How to set up a Yoti ID. (Yoti/YouTube)

Individuals can choose to share specific identity attributes, for example just their age and name, rather than disclosing their full identity with a paper ID document. The personal data is secured using advanced hybrid encryption and Yoti provides a record of what information people share and who with. The encryption technique also means that only the individual can access their data - Yoti cannot see or access any personal data after the accounts have been created and verified.