The Data (Use and Access) Act received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025. For those who have been following the Bill through Parliament, the granting of the Bill will mean significant changes for both alcohol and gambling operators. The Act, for the first time, will allow Digital ID to be used for age verification purposes, rather than the standard physical forms of ID such as a driving licence or passport. Although the Act has been granted, the ICO have reported that the Act will come into effect in phases, with different phases expected to commence at two, six and twelve months after Royal Assent.
How it will work
The Act creates a legislative foundation for Digital Verification Services (DVS). Standards, governance and oversight of digital identity services in the UK are therefore now grounded in law, ensuring they are trusted and secure. The DVS will receive a ‘Trust Mark’ similar to a ‘Kite Mark’. Similar to the GOV.UKID App, it is believed that when operators check customers’ digital ID, it will be done by way of QR codes, and so will be simple and timely for both parties.
It should be noted that accepting Digital ID is not compulsory for operators. However, in this modern day and age where everything is on a ‘smartphone’ it would be odd that operators would not embrace this and possibly alienate customers if they didn’t use digital verification. As with current age verification, it will be for the operator to ensure that they check the digital ID against the customer providing it.
Premises Licence Conditions
Operators will need to check their premises licences, as some stipulate the specific types of ID that can be accepted. Obviously, Digital ID will not be listed. Therefore, should an operator wish to accept Digital ID, they may need to submit a minor variation application or it may be dealt with in secondary legislation.
We will keep you updated as the different phases commence.
Should you want any further information on this, please email Chris@woodswhur.co.uk , or your normal Woods Whur contact.