Underage vaping targeted as AI app that automates age verification now available in stores across Ireland
Stores across Ireland can now tap an AI solution that estimates someone's age with almost 100% accuracy, thanks to a new partnership between Johnston Retail Services and Privately.
Privately’s AgeAI app provides automated and accurate facial age estimation, removing guesswork from age checks and mitigating the risk of fines for selling vapes to children. It is 100% anonymous, with no images transmitted or stored, GDPR certified, and helps protect staff by reducing the need for unnecessary ID checks for adults that are a source of major conflict.
“Underage vaping is a problem in Ireland, and there's a pressing requirement to prevent sales to minors,” says Deepak Tewari, CEO, Privately. “But store owners and managers need help, and our partnership with Johnston Retail Services delivers that, with an automated, accurate and speedy solution that allows staff to avoid the confrontation that comes from requests for ID and turning people away.”
Johnston Retail Services works with a number of nationwide Irish retailers including Applegreen, Centra, SuperValu, An Post and Dunnes Stores.
AgeAI is currently in use with hundreds of independent vape stores in the UK due to Privately’s partnership with the retail trade association Our Vape Advocacy.
Brian Hurley, Commercial Director at Johnston Retail Services, says: "Ensuring your operation has a technology focus is now more important than ever. Those who adopt and embrace the technological solutions available tend to reap more success with much less effort than one may think."
“Enforcement of age restricted selling is no doubt going to become more and more prevalent. AgeAI is extremely simple, affordable and an indispensable tool that we are excited to be able to offer our customers to help with this legal selling requirement.”
2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
AI is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.
The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Key 2024 dates
Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed
30th October-6th November: Judging days
Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.
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