Yoti blog
Stories and insights from the world of digital identity
Articles
Apr 29, 2019
Yoti supports the seven ethical principles for biometrics
We believe that our technology should keep people safe and work for everyone equally. So, we support the seven ethical principles for biometrics, released by the Biometrics Institute. These principles enable anyone working in the biometrics industry to show they’re committed to addressing ethical issues raised by new technology – biometrics in particular. Here are the seven principles. Ethical behaviour The first principle states that companies must act ethically even beyond the requirements of law. Ethical behaviour means avoiding actions which harm people and their environment. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s founding B Corps, which means
Press releases
Apr 17, 2019
Yoti trials blockchain in property transactions with HM Land Registry
London, UK, 17th April 2019 – As part of HM Land Registry’s Digital Street research and development project, digital identity company Yoti has worked with the organisation and other partners on a blockchain prototype to show how buying and selling a house can be made simpler and quicker by demonstrating a digital transfer of ownership. The sale of a semi-detached house in Gillingham, Kent, was used to show how the emerging technology could be used to reduce uncertainty and delays when buying a home. Stefan, the seller of the house in Gillingham who took part in the trial, said “It
Articles
Apr 17, 2019
The Digital Economy Act and age verification on adult websites: the facts
What is the Digital Economy Act? The Digital Economy Act is a law introduced by the UK government that includes measures to prevent children from accessing pornographic content online. Age verification is a child protection measure, introduced as part of the government’s ambition to make the UK the safest place to be online. When does the Digital Economy Act take effect and who does it apply to? From the enforcement date, on 15th July 2019, anyone who wants to access a UK adult website will be required to prove they’re 18 or over. Does the Digital Economy Act apply to
Articles
Apr 15, 2019
Yoti features on Worldwide Business with Kathy Ireland
Our CEO Robin and Director of Regulatory and Policy Julie had the pleasure of speaking to entrepreneur and CEO Kathy Ireland on her Worldwide Business show. They discussed the challenges we aim to solve, how Yoti can help protect children online and why digital identities will be integral to a safer future for businesses and individuals. You can read the interview below or watch the full interview here. Kathy: Julie how is Yoti solving these problems [of data breaches, fraud and identity theft]? Julie: Day in, day out we are asked to prove our age or identity – this could
Articles
Apr 12, 2019
Announcing the Yoti Fellowship Programme
We are excited to announce the launch of the Yoti Fellowship Programme, one of the signature activities from our new Social Impact Strategy. From today we will be inviting applications from individuals interested in helping unlock the potential of digital identities with a particular focus on local, grassroots issues. In return, Fellows will be offered generous financial and logistical support, expenses and a chance to have their findings shared with the wider world. See our Head of Social Impact Ken Banks chatting about the Fellowship Programme here. Yoti Fellows: Filling the knowledge deficit The majority of the digital
Articles
Apr 12, 2019
New regulations to tackle underage online gambling
Last year, a Gambling Commission audit found that an astounding 55,000 British children aged 11-16 year olds were classed as problem gamblers. The results also revealed that up to 450,000 11-16 year olds gambled on a regular basis. While the problem exists across offline and online gambling, the growing nature of the online sector makes it imperative for there to be more safeguards in place. As of 2018, The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) reported that the market’s revenue hit £14.4 billion, of which £5.3 billion came from online gambling. When it comes to identity and age verification for gambling customers,
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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
Articles
Mar 20, 2024
Say hello to our 2024 B Corp Impact Report
We’re delighted to reach our ninth year of being a B Corp. When Yoti was founded 10 years ago, we knew that we wanted to do business the right way. Because that’s the only way we can truly make the digital world safer for everyone. Our founders knew that in this industry, we were going to come up against some complex ethical questions. Working with identity, personal data and biometrics is a delicate matter. And that’s one of the reasons we became a B Corp – to hold us accountable to all our stakeholders including our people, clients, suppliers, the