Russia Proposes Biometric Age Verification for Online Shoppers

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Russia is considering implementing biometric identification to verify the age of citizens when making online purchases, reports Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. The government has proposed using biometric technology for age verification when selling age-restricted products.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko stated that one of the control tools could be the implementation of the Unified Biometric System (UBS). He emphasized that such measures are necessary to ensure compliance with regulations for selling products intended for those over 18 years old and to enhance the safety of online commerce.

Currently, the issue is being discussed with major players in the digital market, including marketplaces and other e-commerce platforms. It is expected that biometric identification will enable more accurate verification of buyers and prevent minors from accessing age-restricted goods.

This initiative is part of a broader state policy aimed at strengthening child protection in the digital environment. In particular, government strategic documents up to 2036 foresee the development of additional requirements for the sale and delivery of adult products purchased online.

Under the proposals being considered, age verification could be carried out using biometric data or traditional documents such as passports. It is anticipated that the introduction of new mechanisms will increase the effectiveness of control and reduce violations of age restrictions in remote purchases.