Large grocery chains are trialing self checkout systems that use biometric data to verify age for alcohol and tobacco purchases. Industry publication Kommersant highlights discussions with retailers, technology providers, and regulators, and examines what these pilots could mean for the market and consumer protection in Canada and the United States.
Industry insiders say major retailers have asked the Ministry of Digital Transformation for clear guidance on how personal data can be used in this context. The central question is whether a single biometric system could confirm a shopper’s age for cigarette and alcohol purchases without the need to present a passport at self checkout. If permitted, such a system could simplify the purchasing process, speed up transactions, and reduce the burden on store staff who otherwise verify age at points of sale.
Biometric Technologies Center JSC has argued that biometric data can legally stand in for passport checks when it comes to age verification at the point of sale. They contend that biometric identifiers serve the same purpose as traditional identity documents in this specific use. Yet experts warn that software and system integration would be essential to ensure these tools align with customer service records and reporting requirements. Adopting CSR, or customer service restoration measures, is seen as a pathway to relieve crowding at checkout lines while enhancing overall throughput at the register. Digital identification could also support faster validation and smoother in-store experiences for shoppers.
Public sentiment toward biometrics remains divided. A June 2023 survey from a national research organization shows that a meaningful portion of respondents view the technology unfavorably, while a smaller share supports it. In parallel, market observers note that most consumers still prefer card payments, with a minority showing openness to biometric authentication. These numbers illustrate variable acceptance and underscore the need for careful policy design, user experience testing, and transparent communication when expanding biometric verification in everyday retail contexts.
In late December, a leading figure from the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation, who heads a working group focused on internet technologies and digitization law, acknowledged ongoing discussions about biometric policy. The emphasis was on safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring that new biometric practices do not increase pressure on individuals, even as technology advances. The remarks reflect a broader principle that innovation should be paired with strong protections, clear consent, and robust governance.
Earlier reporting noted that authorities could face legal exposure for coercive data collection or improper handling of biometric information. The takeaway is clear: as retailers pilot biometric CSR initiatives and digital IDs in consumer marketplaces, robust safeguards, transparent governance, and explicit consent mechanisms are indispensable. The goal is to balance convenience and efficiency with privacy, security, and respect for individual rights, while preserving trust in the evolving landscape of in-store technology and customer identification.