Yoti blog
Stories and insights from the world of digital identity
Articles
Feb 13, 2024
Understanding verification requirements in the new Digital Services Act
The EU’s new Digital Services Act (DSA) will apply from the 17th February this year. Originally only applicable to ‘very large online platforms’ (VLOPs) and ‘very large online search engines’ (VLOSEs) with over 45 million monthly users, it will eventually be expanded to cover all online intermediaries and platforms that offer their services to users based in the EU. These include online marketplaces, social networks, adult content companies, content sharing platforms, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms. To comply with certain parts of the Act, platforms will need to have effective verification of business users and support age-appropriate
The importance of anti-spoofing for facial age estimation
It has been claimed that facial age estimation technology can be easily spoofed. The proliferation of news on generative AI and deepfakes has added to the conversation, and there is doubt and concern over the security of online safety systems. Suffice to say, we’ve thought of that. We have developed a suite of anti-spoofing tools to ensure your check is real, valid and accurate. Our experience working with organisations to implement age verification has enabled us to identify and cover risks and vulnerabilities. When we perform an age estimation check, we are actually performing a number of security checks simultaneously.
Articles
Feb 06, 2024
Safer Internet Day 2024: Creating age-appropriate experiences with Kids Web Services
Every year, Safer Internet Day raises awareness of the importance of a safer and better internet for all. Starting as an initiative of the EU in 2004, Safer Internet Day is now recognised in over 190 countries and territories around the world. The theme this year, ‘Inspiring Change’ brings to light an important question: how can we inspire change which improves online safety for young people? One of the ways Yoti is helping to change the internet for the better, is through our work with Kids Web Services (KWS), the leading parent verification and consent management toolset. KWS offers
Articles
Feb 01, 2024
A chat with Emily Hyett, Yoti’s Group Product Manager
With so much going on in the digital identity space, we caught up with Emily Hyett, our Group Product Manager. She chats through the latest trends in the identity industry, why data privacy is so important, and what her typical day at Yoti looks like. Can you share your personal journey and the path that led you to Yoti? I studied Astrophysics at university, and then my first role was working in a tech consultancy. We worked with the UK government to help them digitise the biometrics they used across policing. So I went to about 30 different police
Case studies
Jan 29, 2024
How Digital IDs are creating safer, more trusted matrimony connections
“When we were in search of a strategic biometric partner that aligns with our values, Yoti stood out as the perfect choice.” Hajji Laird Mostafa Mohammad Karim Founder & CEO (Chief Evangelism Officer), Muslim Marriage Services Muslim Marriage Services is the world’s only Certified Social Enterprise Muslim matrimonial brand, focussed on digital security and creating social impact in the world’s largest matrimony market. We helped them: Create a trusted platform for people to connect; giving them the best chance at finding compatible life partners. Offer users an improved online experience by giving them a safer and instant way
Articles
Jan 25, 2024
Challenge 25: Enhancing age checks with facial age estimation and Digital IDs
‘Challenge 25’ is a scheme used by retailers who sell age-restricted products. It requires shoppers who are over 18 but look under 25 to show ID. But why was Challenge 25 introduced and how can age estimation technology and Digital IDs strengthen age checks in today’s world? The history of Challenge 25 In 2005, test purchases revealed that some retailers were selling age-restricted items to underage customers. This testing was part of the Government’s Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC). Research commissioned at the time explored why these underage sales were taking place. The key finding showed that retail staff
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Articles
Aug 29, 2024
Protecting your heart and wallet: understanding romance scams
It is said that love makes the world go round. But as genuine daters are looking for love, there’s a growing risk of falling into a scammer’s trap. In this blog we explore the impact of romance fraud, common tactics used by fraudsters and how daters can protect themselves in their search for love. What is romance fraud? Romance fraud occurs when a scammer uses a fake profile and false identity to trick unsuspecting people on dating sites. They usually do this for fraudulent reasons and financial gain. The fraudster will often go to great lengths, convincing
Articles
May 28, 2024
The importance of transparency for facial age estimation
To protect young people online, businesses need to provide age-appropriate experiences for their users. This could apply to online marketplaces, social media networks, content sharing platforms and gaming sites. But to put the correct measures in place, businesses need to know the ages of their customers. It was previously thought that the only way to confidently establish a user’s age was with an identity document, like a passport or driving licence, or checks to third-party databases such as credit reference agencies or mobile network operators. However, regulators are now recognising facial age estimation as an effective alternative. As with
Articles
May 14, 2024
Making age checks inclusive
In today’s world, we can access a range of goods, services and experiences online. As a result, regulations are being passed across the globe to ensure that young people safely navigate the digital world. From the UK’s Online Safety Act to age verification laws in the US, platforms are being required to check the ages of their users. To do this effectively, the age assurance methods offered must be inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible. Why can’t businesses just use ID documents? Most people tend to think of age assurance as checking a person’s age