Russian authorities plan to launch a pilot project to verify age for purchasing `18+` goods on online marketplaces, utilizing the Unified Biometric System. This measure is intended for products such as fireworks, lighters, energy drinks, books marked `18+`, and intimate items. However, experts warn that the introduction of biometrics could negatively impact online retail and potentially mark the first step towards pervasive digital surveillance.
Russia is set to introduce biometric age verification for online purchases of `18+` goods. According to `Vedomosti` newspaper, authorities plan to launch a pilot project on major online marketplaces. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko has reportedly issued relevant directives to key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Finance, Rospotrebnadzor, and Rosalkogoltabakkontrol. The initiative had previously received presidential approval.
Biometric scanning to verify buyer age is slated for online purchases of energy drinks, fireworks, books marked `18+`, lighters, and lighter fluid canisters. Intimate products will also fall under this category. This raises the question: how willing will consumers be to buy, for instance, adult products online if they need to verify their identity via biometrics? Leo Shevchenko, a seller, marketplace expert, and CEO of `Mercatus` school, comments:
Leo Shevchenko
Seller, Marketplace Expert, CEO of `Mercatus` School
This will undoubtedly significantly impact sales on marketplaces. I believe many buyers prefer to remain anonymous when purchasing intimate items and wouldn`t want everyone to know about it, especially considering that data will be accumulated through `Gosuslugi` (State Services portal).
Registration in the Unified Biometric System is available online, requiring a `Gosuslugi` account and a smartphone with a camera and microphone. Notably, the sale of alcohol and tobacco products through this mechanism is not currently under discussion, as their online sale is prohibited even for adults. Evgenia Chernitskaya, Chairman and Executive Director of the Association of E-commerce Market Participants, comments on this:
Evgenia Chernitskaya
Chairman and Executive Director of the Association of E-commerce Market Participants
If we calculate it, each user`s entry onto a marketplace will cost approximately 7 rubles. These costs will clearly be distributed across the entire industry, burdening both entrepreneurs and, ultimately, consumers. The issue with alcohol and tobacco was closed due to the technical inability to reliably verify data. However, if all `18+` product categories are to fall under the UBS and require user verification, then this should be a two-way street. Given that consumers today are accustomed to getting everything online, why shouldn`t they be able to purchase adult products, for example, along with Russian wine, on the same marketplace?
Biometric verification for `18+` goods will be implemented in vending machines and self-checkout counters in the second half of the current year, with the system later expanding to all online sales. Currently, not all Russians have their data registered in the Unified Biometric System, and many are strongly opposed to providing it. The question arises: how will people react to marketplaces also using their biometric data? Dmitry Korobitsyn, CEO of `Supplier of Happiness,` a distributor of adult products, reflects on this:
Dmitry Korobitsyn
CEO of `Supplier of Happiness,` Distributor of Adult Products
For instance, our primary target audience and the largest sales volume in this category fall within the 35-45 age group. Individuals under 18 are not our target audience. If they accidentally enter our marketing or other processes, it only incurs additional costs for the business. So, if we can exclude this audience, the business would be grateful. Another question… From a consumer`s perspective, I personally have a high degree of trust in our government and banks – I am ready to identify myself using biometric data. But to hand over my biometric data to some `open internet`? I would, let`s say, hesitate.
Since July, China has officially launched its Digital ID system, a unified digital passport incorporating biometrics, a photo, and a unique alphanumeric code, obtainable via a government application. While officially voluntary, in practice, the system is compulsory. Without a Digital ID, an ordinary Chinese citizen cannot make purchases, use public transport, or check into hotels. Furthermore, all their online activities are automatically recorded by the Great Firewall and subject to state control. Perhaps this future model is closer than it appears.
