Don’t put your knife sales on hold

Requiring multiple sources of identity proof. Reporting any suspicious sale. Up to two years in prison for selling knives to minors. The one thing that’s clear from these early statements is that verification for online knife sales will change forever. Many online stores that sell knives are putting their sales on hold till they know more.

Can you afford to leave your business in limbo?

The Crime and Policing Bill will only be tabled in Spring 2025. The question is, what does that mean for responsible online stores that sell knives – like you? Do you take down knives and related products from your store? Or do you continue with measures that may be insufficient or even deemed incompliant by the government?

The government and media are closely monitoring the sector for compliance, which makes the cost of doing nothing and the price of ‘wait and watch’ too high. On the one hand, removing the line of products is an obvious loss of long-term and genuine customers and revenue; on the other, doing nothing could make your customers, society, and the government question your commitment to keeping them safe.

What’s the government looking for in stronger age checks for online knife sales?

Commander Steve Clayman, NPCC Knife Crime Lead, has suggested moving from age verification to buyer verification in his report on the online sale of knives. He also suggests including a prohibited persons provision, like when buying a gun.

Initial reports suggested the government could require buyers to submit a document ID like a driver’s license or a passport, as well as proof of address like a utility bill. They could also be required to submit a video of them holding their ID and showing the same ID at the point of delivery.

We believe the government will be more result-oriented than method-oriented in the bill. Here’s how we understand the intent behind their statement.

1. Stronger proof of age – one that is not self-declared but vouched by someone – like a government record as stated in a document ID.
   
   It also opens it up to the possibility of banks vouching for an individual’s age based on the stringent checks they have done on an individual at the time of opening an account.
2. Proof of liveness – By asking buyers to upload a video ID, the government wants to ensure the person making the purchase is real—not a bot.
   
   

   It’s similar to logging into your mobile banking app, where you prove to the bank that you’re a human, not a bot trying to hack in.

3. Two sources of proof – By stipulating the buyer share a document ID and video evidence that it is indeed them, the government wants to ensure the person making the purchase isn’t using someone else’s ID.
   
   

   It mirrors how banks handle security: first, by confirming you're using a registered device, and second, by requiring facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. This layered but frictionless strong customer authentication ensures only the rightful user can access the account or, in this case, buy a restricted item like a knife.

Could age checks be your key differentiator?

Online knife stores that recognise their role in controlling knife crime are looking at solutions beyond the minimum threshold age checks the government will set. Some of these solutions deliver extensive data points using a simple, seamless, familiar process.

Now more than ever, you need a verification provider with flexible, versatile and robust solutions that will help you future-proof your business no matter what age verification requirement the government recommends.

A verification solution that can deliver on whatever the government requires and beyond: OneID®

OneID® is the UK’s only age verification solution that uses bank data in a quick, simple and completely digital way. Your shoppers can prove they are over 18 using their mobile banking app in 10 seconds with high levels of assurance.

Take a look at this video to learn how easy the solution is.

OneID® stands out because of its truly digital and adaptable nature. Our API securely connects with banks to share the information you need about your customers—with their consent. It delivers bank-verified data, including age, identity, and address, as well as insights into fraud, police records, and more.

What does this mean for you? Whether the government mandates a simple but robust age verification or requires a more comprehensive check—including identity, address, criminal records, and fraud history—OneID® has you covered. You can switch between these levels of verification instantly without the need for complex updates or delays.

Local authorities are already using our streamlined checks

Interestingly, the ID Checks for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) require two forms of check—proof of ID and proof of address— the same as those suggested for online knife sales verification. However, the process of scanning two documents is effort-intensive and error-prone, causing delays and abandonment.

We have eliminated the friction of scanning and uploading documents with our streamlined and completely digital journey that uses bank-verified data. This instant and seamless check is already being used by leading local authorities and for pre-employment checks in sectors involving the most vulnerable people. So, if the government were to require this level of thoroughness in how age is verified for online knife sales, then with OneID®, you will be in the smartest and the most experienced hands.

Want to know how we are delivering the high levels of assurance needed for DBS ID Checks in a single seamless journey?
Speak with one of our experts today.

The rise in knife-related crimes highlights the need for collective responsibility—government, technology providers, civil society, and businesses like yours must go beyond ticking compliance boxes. It’s about choosing a solution that meets today’s standards and lets you step up when needed. With OneID®, you can strengthen verification effortlessly, helping you do your part to protect your customers and the wider community.

If you haven't already, read our blog 'How Online Knife Sellers Can Play A Role in Creating Safer Streets' to learn what responsible online knife sellers like you can do. 

Want to learn more about OneID® and its enhanced verification solutions? Book a meeting with John-Michael Eastman.