Articles
Introducing verified Student IDs on your phone
We’re excited to introduce Student IDs – a new feature that allows students to confirm their student status through our Digital ID apps. With nearly three million students in the UK, we’re proud to make student verification simpler for millions. With a verified Student ID, students can quickly and easily prove they are a student, without having to show a physical student card. They display only the key information, such as their photo, university email, and verified student status, directly to businesses. This approach enhances students’ privacy and security while providing businesses with reliable confirmation of student status.
Thoughts from our CEO
In this blog series, our CEO Robin Tombs will be sharing his experience, whilst focusing on major themes, news and issues in the world of identity verification and age assurance. This month, Robin chats about why Yoti facial age estimation is not easy to spoof, the UK Government’s Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for online safety, the rise of AI voice cloning and the importance of supplementary codes for digital identity. Facial age estimation is not easy to spoof There was understandable scepticism from Rachel Burden and some listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live breakfast this month about
Navigating Australia’s online safety laws
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, regulators are prioritising online safety. Countries around the world are introducing new legislation that aims to protect people online and create safer, age-appropriate experiences. What’s the current state of online safety legislation in Australia? As the internet has become a central part of daily life, Australia’s approach to online safety has evolved over time. Online safety laws were initially more reactive, focused on specific issues such as cyberbullying and child exploitation. However, over the past decade, legislation has become more comprehensive. New laws aim to prevent harm and promote a safer
Yoti responds to the Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for online safety
This week, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, published a letter of proposed strategic priorities for online safety. We welcome the draft statement, which highlights the five areas the government believes should be prioritised for creating a safer online environment. These areas are: safety by design, transparency and accountability, agile regulation, inclusivity and resilience, and technology and innovation. Peter Kyle also made a strong statement that when the Online Safety Act comes into force, Ofcom will have his full support and will expect them to be assertive. He said, “The powers that
Shop with confidence: protect yourself on secondhand platforms with peer to peer checks
From clothes and accessories to furniture, toys and electronics, there’s a whole variety of secondhand items being bought and sold online. Over the last few years, the popularity of secondhand platforms has continued to grow. Sellers are keen to turn unused items into money and buyers are on the hunt for a bargain. In fact, 63% of UK online shoppers say they’ve bought secondhand in the past year, compared to 37% who haven’t. Clothing is most popular, with 30% of people purchasing a pre-owned clothing item in the last year. Our own research found that 65% of people will
Understanding age assurance in the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill
In a significant move towards tightening regulations on tobacco and vaping products, the UK has introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Originally introduced by the previous Conservative government, the Bill has now been reintroduced by the new Labour government, signalling bipartisan support. The Bill aims to create a “smoke-free generation” by gradually raising the age of sale for tobacco and vaping products every year until they are completely phased out across the UK. What is the main aim of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill? The Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks to tighten the regulatory framework around tobacco and