Brits will soon be able to use digital wallets to prove age when buying booze

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Brits will soon be able to store digital driver’s licences and veteran cards on their smartphones, thanks to a new UK Government initiative.

Ministers announced that the digital wallets, accessible via a UK Government app, will allow users to prove their age in places like pubs, shops, and bars, or even online.The wallet will use security features already built into modern smartphones, including facial recognition, similar to the technology used for digital bank card payments, the Mirror reported.While the digital system will be optional, the government reassured the public that physical documents will still be available.

The wallet will be part of a new gov.uk app, set to launch this summer. By 2027, the digital wallet is expected to hold a variety of documents, including Blue Badges, PIP letters, and DBS checks.

The government also plans to digitize birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports. However, passport digitization may take longer as it will require global coordination to ensure acceptance at airport gates.