Digital ID launched for nightlife venues in Norway

Digital ID will soon be usable in nightlife venues, marking a significant step forward from the announcement made in April. The company Stø has finalized an agreement with PSS Securitas, allowing patrons at venues that employ this security firm to gain entry using a digital identification.

Christofer Næsheim, Operations Manager at PSS Securitas, expressed enthusiasm about the potential for shorter queues and a reduction in fake identification use. “With physical IDs often needing thorough checks under poor lighting, we can now easily confirm age and identity on a well-lit mobile screen. This improves the experience for guests, venues, and security staff alike,” he stated.

Presently, digital ID will only be accepted at doorways staffed by PSS Securitas personnel, while other areas such as bars are not yet equipped to read digital IDs. The digital ID is accessible through the Bank-ID app and requires activation using a passport or a national ID card. This ID uses facial recognition technology and generates a time-limited QR code for scanning.

Mads Pedersen, product manager for the digital ID in the Bank-ID app, emphasized that the mobile ID option has been a high demand among young people. “It simplifies life and enhances security for everyone,” he mentioned. So far, around 370,000 individuals in Norway have activated the digital ID option within the app. Additional venues like Vinmonopolet and the Øyafestivalen also support the digital ID initiative, especially where age verification is mandatory.

In 2023 alone, over 4,000 individuals faced consequences for using fake IDs. Næsheim noted that with digital identification, cases of fraud are likely to diminish significantly. Students have welcomed the initiative, noting the practicality of having an ID on their phones for nights out. However, they also stress that traditional forms of identification should remain valid alongside digital options.