John Lewis is using AI to scan shoppers' faces to check they are old enough to buy KNIVES
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John Lewis has become the first online retailer to use AI to check whether shoppers are old enough to buy knives. Using a technology called facial age estimation, the online store can check whether someone is over 18 without needing to see their ID. When someone wants to buy a knife, the shopper must give permission for the website to take a photo of their face which is then scanned by AI.
![[Knives had been removed from the online store since 2009. But now, shoppers can choose to verify their age using 'facial age estimation']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94352249-14308997-Knives_had_been_removed_from_the_online_store_since_2009_But_now-a-78_1737478677505.jpg)
This has allowed John Lewis to start selling knives online for the first time since removing them from the store in 2009. The technology has been provided by Yoti, which already provides age verification for social media and pornography sites. According to Yoti, the software has been developed by training an AI on a database containing millions of photos of faces.
![[Prior to the introduction of facial age recognition, even small knives or cutlery could only be purchased in store to avoid under 18s buying knives]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94352245-14308997-Prior_to_the_introduction_of_facial_age_recognition_even_small_k-a-194_1737476138138.jpg)
The company also claims that the software is better than human judgement and incorporates independently tested 'anti-spoofing technology'. That means teenagers won't be able to trick the test by wearing a mask, or by holding up a picture of an adult. John Lewis has become the first online retailer to use AI to determine whether shoppers are old enough to purchase a knife.
![[Upon checkout, users will be prompted to verify their age. This will take the shopper to a website where they can provide a photo of their face to prove they are over 18]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94352247-14308997-Upon_checkout_users_will_be_prompted_to_verify_their_age_This_wi-a-193_1737476138135.jpg)
Knives had been removed from the online store since 2009. But now, shoppers can choose to verify their age using 'facial age estimation'. Under UK law, it is illegal to sell knives or bladed items longer than three inches (7.62 cm) to anyone younger than 18.
![[The technology is provided by Yoti, a company which already makes age recognition systems for social media and pornography sites. Yoti uses an AI trained on millions of photos to determine how hold a user is from their face alone]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/16/94348613-14308997-The_technology_is_provided_by_Yoti_a_company_which_already_makes-a-77_1737478677288.jpg)
