Press releases
Mar 16, 2022
uCheck partners with Post Office and Yoti to drive digital DBS and Right to Work checks
LONDON – 16th March 2022 – uCheck has announced a new Digital Identity Check solution in partnership with Post Office and Yoti. It brings a modern approach to DBS and Right to Work Checks that will save time and admin by swapping manual ID reviews and the copying of applicants’ physical documents for a secure digital process that takes seconds. uCheck is the top DBS umbrella body in the UK and a leading provider of employment vetting and screening solutions – it currently processes over 850,000 checks annually for over 20,000 organisations. uCheck is the largest DBS provider in the UK along with DBS Enhanced, Standard and Basic Checks and the Right to Work, ID and Adverse Credit Checks. This move follows the government’s recent release of new guidelines around Digital Identity Checks for DBS applications, as well as Right to Work Checks. The guidelines are based on the new UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, which aims to facilitate secure and trustworthy solutions around digital identity in the UK, improving the user experience and boosting economic growth. The Post Office EasyID and Yoti Digital ID apps will allow potential employees’ identity to be verified quickly, remotely and securely. A reusable digital identity enables people to pre-verify their ID and then prove who they are using their phone. People simply scan a QR code to share their ID in seconds, without needing their physical ID documents. The new Digital Identity Check service uses automated checks to identify prospective employees almost instantly – to support Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks as well as Right to Work requirements. The secure service uses advanced AI to check documents such as passports and driving licences are genuine. Digital Identity Checks increase efficiency and ensure that checks are secure and reliable. Checking identity is crucial during the recruitment process to protect business against fraud. The advantages of digital verification include: Speed – the applicant can upload documents digitally and prove their identity during the application process, saving both the applicant and employer considerable time. Quality – a Digital Identity Check scans documents’ biometric data, making it significantly more thorough than any physical check. There’s no need to worry if a document could have been forged. Reliable – a Digital Identity Check verifies a set scope of requirements, every time. There’s no risk of human error. Scope – with the ability to check passports from over 200 countries there’s no need to worry if you’ve never seen a particular document before. George Griffiths, Managing Director at uCheck said: “We are delighted to partner with Post Office and Yoti to transform the way businesses verify their employees identity. This new approach is better for all stakeholders in the recruitment process. It’s faster, secure and the only information that is absolutely necessary needs to be shared by applicants during the Digital Identity Check process. At uCheck, we’ll be seamlessly integrating Digital Identity Checks into our Platform, so that they’re ready to use as soon as permitted. Digital Identity Checks will be charged on a per-applicant basis.” Robin Tombs, CEO at Yoti said: “It’s fantastic to partner with uCheck and Post Office and make it easier for businesses and their employees to perform DBS and Right to Work checks. Digital identities are a powerful tool in the battle against ID related fraud. Not only do they help you know who you’re dealing with, they speed up and secure everyday tasks, cutting out paper trails and time intensive manual processes. It’s a real win-win for individuals and organisations alike.” For more information about Digital Identity Checks or queries about any uCheck services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Notes to editors New government guidance on digital identity verification On 17th January 2022, the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) published updated guidance paving the way for Digital Identity Checks to be used as part of Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has also released an update around Digital Identity Checks to verify Right to Work and other certifications. About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. In the UK, Yoti is partnered with Post Office to accelerate digital identity adoption with a national footprint spanning 10,500 Post Office branches, online and more. Over 11 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally. Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Polish. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. Media contacts For Yoti: press@yoti.com For the PR network: yoti@thepr.network
Press releases
Feb 14, 2022
Fluttr launches UK’s first dating app requiring full ID verification – guaranteeing users protection from fake profiles, catfishing and romance fraud
Fluttr launches UK’s first dating app requiring full ID verification – guaranteeing users protection from fake profiles, catfishing and romance fraud Digital ID verification of all users is combined with human moderation to create a safe experience for Fluttrers Fluttr harnesses artificial intelligence driven content monitoring to keep the app ecosystem safe, including award-winning AI-powered image moderation for the detection of inappropriate content Fluttrers can connect and game together, with games such as ‘Mystery Fluttr’, a game inspired by the popular TV show ‘Blind Date’, to help people connect and to make the online dating experience more entertaining LONDON – 14th February 2022: Launching today, Fluttr is the UK’s first ever online dating app to require the use of full digital ID verification technology. The secure platform enables users to safely and securely find love and make new authentic connections. Fluttr has been designed as a new kind of dating app and online experience that puts real people, whose identities have been verified, at the heart of the app to prevent commonly seen abuses in the online dating and social landscape where anonymity and a lack of security allow multiple false identities, catfishing, and romance fraud to proliferate. Fluttr also does not allow adverts, nor does it store or sell its users’ personal data. Fluttr launches amid growing awareness of the importance of online safety in the UK as the Government moves to strengthen laws to stamp out content or activities that harm individual users online, with sending ‘threatening and knowingly false’ messages becoming a criminal offence. The online dating sector is currently rife with the potential for abuse as highlighted in this month’s acclaimed Netflix documentary “The Tinder Swindler”, which tells the story of a man who scammed women for millions after matching with them online. To combat this growing problem, Fluttr is pioneering the use of digtial ID technology to verify every new member from the outset. Ahead of being admitted into the Fluttr ecosystem to browse or engage with other Fluttrers, every new member must verify their ID with Fluttr’s digital ID verification partner Yoti, a global leader in digital ID services whose clients and partners include the NHS, the Post Office, governments and many leading UK retailers. Yoti’s state-of-the-art technology ensures all Fluttrers are providing their genuine details, verified from government-issued ID. The final identification of every user is verified so that users can be reassured that the individuals they are meeting on Fluttr are truly who they say they are, avoiding fake profiles created by people to commit abuse or by companies luring customers into false interactions for fees, while seeking to populate their apps for commercial marketing purposes. The growing popularity of online dating apps in the UK has led to a sharp rise in romance fraud, with at least one in five people having been the victim of catfishing according to a 2021 survey by BetMinded. In the first quarter of 2021, romance fraud cost UK dating app users more than £73.9m according to consumer association Which?. Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, recorded a 40% rise in dating app scams in the same period as increased numbers of people migrated to online platforms to meet people during the pandemic. Creating a safe ecosystem is Fluttr’s top priority and in addition to the work vetting new members, the app also has a team of content moderators tasked with maintaining the safety of the platform by taking down explicit images and removing users engaging in abusive behaviour. Next month Fluttr will launch its artificial intelligence content monitoring feature that detects inappropriate images and language before they leave the sender’s phone, preventing inappropriate content from ever reaching Fluttr’s network. The Fluttr app’s secure and verified environment empowers Fluttrers to find real connections with genuine people and in the Fluttr app where it is ‘safe enough to take the risk’, Fluttrers can connect and game together. Fluttr will launch with the Mystery Fluttr game, inspired by the popular TV show ‘Blind Date’. Mystery Fluttr will allow users to play both the roles of the contestant and the potential match in a fun interactive feature, with Fluttr planning to release new games every 6-8 weeks. Fluttr was created out of a vision to transform the landscape of social media and give people a positive experience, as well as the safety and control they deserve. Fluttr is designed to combat the malignant behaviours proliferating on the internet. Fluttr can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play store. As an initial launch offer, all new users registering in February will be given a three-month free trial as well as the opportunity to enter a prize draw for a case of champagne and a dinner for two at the restaurant of their choice or a £1,000 shopping voucher to revamp their wardrobe or purchase the perfect date night outfit. Fluttr’s product and brand design team includes heavyweights Simon Garner, the well-known creative director behind award-winning campaigns for Universal Music and Queen, and Rosarie King, a senior creative who has designed for Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Selfridges. Fluttr’s experienced management team includes the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Rhonda Alexander. Rhonda brings over 20 years of experience to Fluttr, having delivered fundraising and business growth initiatives for organisations such as networking group, The Chemistry Club, female finance campaign group WealthiHer and business consultancy The Maven Group. Rhonda Alexander, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Fluttr, said: “While online dating is now the most popular way to meet people, fake profiles, romance fraud and instances of abuse are taking away the fun and thrill of online dating. It’s time we reclaim the ID verification technology to create a safe space and ensure users don’t have to worry about matching with a fake profile. “As well as protecting users from fake profiles, Fluttr uses AI-powered content monitoring software to prevent unsolicited pictures and abusive language from ever reaching our users’ phones, and fun in-app games to help people connect without using inaccurate matching algorithms. We look forward to driving the move towards a more secure and engaging quest for love.” “We’re on a mission to transform social media and online dating by retaining the fun and engaging parts while working to make it safer. We know that offering a safe space for people to connect is only part of the online dating experience. So, instead of following the online dating’s industry standard of using algorithms to suggest matches with low success rates, we’re encouraging users to talk about themselves and use our in-app games to find matches and develop real relationships. We’re excited to see Fluttr help people across Britain find love by making online dating a safer and more engaging experience for everyone.” Robin Tombs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yoti, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Fluttr to help people across the world create new relationships safely. Using our secure ID verification technology, we’re helping Fluttr protect people from fake profiles and fraud by ensuring every person is who they say they are. We look forward to continuing working with Fluttr as they raise the security standards across the online dating industry.” Notes to editors About Fluttr Fluttr is the UK’s first online dating app to use biometric ID verification technology to create a space where people can safely find love and make new connections by ensuring every user is who they say they are. As well as creating a safe online dating platform, Fluttr is transforming the online dating landscape by offering interactive in-app games to help users connect and develop their relationships. Fluttr was developed to positively change the landscape of social media for good by ensuring users are in a safe, trusted space. The Fluttr dating app’s mission is to deliver a next-generation social application that places user security, wellbeing and fun at the heart of everything they do. www.fluttrdating.com About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity technology company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. Yoti’s digital ID app is accepted as proof of identity in over 30,000 UK High street locations including cinemas, Post Offices and convenience stores. In 2021 Yoti partnered with Post Office to deliver the UK’s most comprehensive identity service. Post Office EasyID app is interoperable with the Yoti digital ID app. Over 11 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally (3million in the UK). Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. For Yoti: press@yoti.com
Press releases
Feb 10, 2022
First Advantage Delivers Digital Identity Services through Yoti Partnership
First Advantage Delivers Digital Identity Services through Yoti Partnership Yoti digital identity services to be offered via the First Advantage technology platform Joint go-to-market strategy enables promotion of digital identity services aligned with upcoming April 2022 updates to UK Right to Work & UK DBS Checks London, UK – 10th February 2022: First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FA), a leading global provider of technology solutions for screening, verifications, safety and compliance related to human capital, has announced the signing of a strategic technology integration partnership with Yoti, a UK-based digital identity leader. The technology integration partnership will allow First Advantage to offer Yoti digital identity services directly through the First Advantage technology platform. This partnership arrives ahead of planned changes to the UK Right to Work & UK DBS Checks. According to a UK government policy paper published 27 December 2021, allowing for digital identity services will give employers greater confidence in confirming prospective employees’ identities. Digital identity checks, which take effect 6 April 2022, will allow employers to reduce risk and recruit more safely. “Through this partnership, First Advantage and Yoti are bringing innovative and much-needed solutions to the UK and EMEA market ahead of upcoming changes to UK Right to Work & UK DBS Checks,” said Scott Staples, CEO of First Advantage. “Our integrated offering will further enable employers to hire smarter and onboard faster at a time when regulatory changes are allowing employers and landlords to leverage simpler, more secure, high-tech identity service solutions.” Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti, agreed: “Yoti is delighted to join forces with First Advantage and help make it simpler and safer for organisations and their employees to prove their identity. It doesn’t make sense that people still have to show physical ID documents to prove who they are. Our secure digital identity platform helps businesses streamline outdated ID processes to cut admin time and cost.” Notes to editors About First Advantage First Advantage (NASDAQ: FA) is a leading global provider of technology solutions for screening, verifications, safety, and compliance related to human capital. The Company delivers innovative solutions and insights that help customers manage risk and hire the best talent. Enabled by its proprietary technology, First Advantage’s products and solutions help companies protect their brands and provide safer environments for their customers and their most important resources: employees, contractors, contingent workers, tenants, and drivers. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, First Advantage performs screens in over 200 countries and territories on behalf of its more than 30,000 customers. For more information about First Advantage, visit the Company’s website at https://fadv.com/. About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity technology company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. Yoti’s digital ID app is accepted as proof of identity in over 30,000 UK High street locations including cinemas, Post Offices and convenience stores. In 2021 Yoti partnered with Post Office to deliver the UK’s most comprehensive identity service. Post Office EasyID app is interoperable with the Yoti digital ID app. Over 11 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally (3million in the UK). Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. For Yoti: press@yoti.com
Press releases
Jan 21, 2022
Preloved increases member safety with verified ID checks from Yoti
Preloved is integrating new technologies to enable people to verify their identity in seconds boosting transparency, trust and safety in the classified community London, UK – 21st January 2022 – Preloved, one of the UK’s most trusted classified advertising sites, has announced that it is introducing new safety measures that will enable its users to verify their profile using Yoti’s identity verification technology. The move will improve the security of sales for sellers and buyers alike, who will be able to transact online with additional peace of mind. With over 9 million members and thousands of sales every day in over 500 categories, extra security and peace of mind in every purchase is imperative to Preloved, and the classified advertising community. As part of its mission to continue being the UK’s most trusted classified site, and promote responsible pet ownership, Preloved is committed to creating a safe space for people to connect, buy and sell. By leveraging Yoti identity verification, it will enable people to trade safely and ensure that people are who they say they are – of particular importance when making high value and emotional purchases such as pets and electronics. Yoti is designed to make it simpler and safer for people to prove who they are, digitally. Individuals can verify their identity in minutes by sharing their ID document and facial biometrics via their phone or computer to prove they are genuine. This means there’s no more commuting to share ID documents and less admin and risk for businesses copying, checking and storing ID documents. It’s a secure solution that helps businesses and individuals be confident that people are who they say they are. Lucy Roberts of Preloved said: “Preloved values itself on making sure that trust is at the core of its business model. Therefore, we are always looking to take important steps to improve transparency with every Preloved transaction and reduce the risk of fraud. Which is why we are delighted with our partnership with Yoti, as they will allow us to complete thorough online identity verification checks, enabling us to continue supporting our community to transact with peace of mind online.” John Abbott, Chief Business Officer of Yoti, commented: “Buying and selling on classified sites is hugely popular for good reason, but wherever there are good people with good intentions, fraudsters will never be too far away. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with Preloved to improve customer experiences and safety. We created Yoti to help businesses and people work together to improve the safety of everyday tasks and it’s great to see Preloved leading the way in the worlds of classifieds using our secure, privacy preserving technology.” About Preloved Established in 1998, Preloved started out as a community site for second hand enthusiasts to buy and sell unwanted items. 20+ years later, and with increasing awareness surrounding environmental responsibility, Preloved has become one of the most trusted and largest classified sites in the UK. over 9 million members Buy and sell in over 500 different categories. No selling fees, no auctions – just extra benefits for as little £5 a year. The total value of items for sale on Preloved tops £1.5 billion Over 2 million visits every month. Roughly 10,000 new adverts are posted each day. About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity technology company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. In the UK, Yoti is partnered with Post Office to accelerate digital identity adoption with a national footprint spanning 10,500 Post Office branches, online and more. Over 10 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally. Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Polish. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. Yoti.com
Press releases
Jan 19, 2022
Sevenoaks District Council revolutionises its document processing with Yoti eSignatures
London, UK – 19th January 2022 – In a bid to modernise its document processing, Sevenoaks District Council has today announced a move to implement digital signature technology from Yoti across its Housing department. The Council, located in Kent, is keen to cut admin-intensive processes using a secure approach. Currently an organiser of public services for 120,000 citizens and employing approximately 425 staff across 16 departments, the decision to incorporate Yoti’s eSign and eWitnessing platform will ensure smoother operations council-wide. The move will support the council in reducing time and costs relating to sending, signing and managing documents, as well as reducing daily paper use, providing a more environmentally friendly approach to their work. Previously, officers relied on printing and sending documents via post – both proving time absorbing and difficult to manage during remote working. Yoti’s eSignature platform allows documents to be managed from a central location and for a digital copy to be sent to the customer via email. On average, businesses using Yoti benefit from improved document signing speeds with 85 per cent of documents being signed within the first 24 hours. Given customers will now be able to access sensitive documents via email, enabling them to sign quickly and securely, the entire customer experience promises to be a more seamless one. Based in London, Yoti provides identity verification, eSignature and age verification technology. It boasts a rapidly growing eSignature division delivering services for several prominent organisations including Connells group, RIBA, GiGroup and Countrywide. The company has recently launched its ground-breaking electronic witnessing solution. Cllr Kevin Maskell, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We’re always looking for more efficient and innovative ways of working, and Yoti’s eSign technology ticks both of these boxes. At a time when there is greater demand for our housing services than ever, eSign is speeding up the processing of applications while providing a more convenient service for our clients. It also cuts down on paper, helping with our ambitions to become a Net Zero carbon council by 2030.” Matthew Gilbery Commercial Director at Yoti commented: “Our collaboration with Sevenoaks District Council follows the successful transformation of Ashford Borough Council in 2020, another local authority in Kent that adopted Yoti’s eSignatures platform and saw a reduction in costs and increase in efficiency. It’s exciting to see just how transformative digital identity services can be – and the citizens of Sevenoaks District Council should expect to see greater efficiencies moving forwards.” About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity technology company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. In the UK, Yoti is partnered with Post Office to accelerate digital identity adoption with a national footprint spanning 10,500 Post Office branches, online and more. Over 10 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally. Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Polish. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. Yoti.com Media contacts Mark Hindle at Yoti – press@yoti.com Nikki Alvey at The PR Network – 07973 354 706, nikki.alvey@thepr.network
Press releases
Jan 17, 2022
Post Office EasyID and Yoti digital ID apps deliver a ready-made solution to the new Home Office Right to Work and DBS digital identity policies
London, UK – 17th January 2022: Post Office and Yoti have announced the availability of their digital identity apps – in response to the – now permanent – UK Government policy change regarding the use of Digital Identity for Right to Work as well as Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. From April 6th 2022, UK Citizens looking to start a new job will be able to prove their Right to Work with Post Office EasyID and Yoti digital identity apps. They will also be able to use their digital identity to apply for their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks online. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation conservatively estimates that its member recruitment businesses conduct around 300,000 RTW checks every week, highlighting the potential time and administration cost saved with digital IDs offering instant, paper free identity verification. The acceptance of digital identity comes as a result of a successful use of remote policies during Covid. With evidence of increased efficiency, reduced recruitment times and getting people into jobs faster, these remote policies have streamlined processes for both job seekers, employers and landlords. It has also reduced travel costs for new recruits and enabled a wider pool of applicants to apply for roles and reduce geographic barriers to employment and housing. The new policy allows for all the benefits but with enhanced customer experience and security of digital identity. EasyID and Yoti are free digital identity apps designed to make it simpler and safer for people to prove who they are, both online and in person. Individuals add their ID document and facial biometrics in a few minutes and have a verified, reusable digital identity that protects their details and can be used in a wide range of scenarios. Individuals no longer have to copy, send and share their ID documents, while businesses can be confident people are who they say they are. EasyID enables individuals to securely share a verified image of their passport with their Digital Identity that enables an employer to store the image and meet the Home Office requirements for ‘statutory excuse’. Also an individual can share their ID and document at a time of their choosing, making the service more convenient. To date, over 2.6m people have joined the Post Office digital ID network with Yoti – including 1 in 5 of the UK’s 18-year-old population. The apps are already accepted by a wide range of organisations including the Jersey Government, Scottish Improvement Service, The NHS, Virgin Atlantic, NSPCC, convenience stores and many more. Elinor Hull, Identity Services Director at Post Office said: “This is a landmark moment for the recruitment sector and their successful candidates who can now prove their identity quicker than ever before and potentially start their employment sooner. Using our free EasyID app candidates can prove their ID and right to work to their new employer or to apply for a DBS check at the time most convenient for them. Alternatively, if they prefer they can come into one of over 3,000 Post Offices where our Postmasters can use the same technology and help confirm their identity for their DBS check.” John Abbott, Chief Commercial Officer at Yoti said: “Together with Post Office, we are transforming the way that people prove their identity in the UK removing friction from ID processes online and reducing the risk of succumbing to identity fraud. Everyone connected to the recruitment chain can now be assured that their employees are genuine, building transparency and trust.” Notes to editors About Post Office With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined. Post Office EasyID launched on 23rd August 2021 for a variety of in-person and online proof of ID uses. For more information about Post Office EasyID, visit https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/easyid For Post Office: karim.aziz@postoffice.co.uk About Yoti Yoti is a digital identity technology company that allows organisations to verify identities and trusted credentials online and in person. Yoti’s products span identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication. Yoti’s digital ID app is accepted as proof of identity in over 30,000 UK High street locations including cinemas, Post Offices and convenience stores. In 2021 Yoti partnered with Post Office to deliver the UK’s most comprehensive identity service. Post Office EasyID app is interoperable with the Yoti digital ID app. Over 11 million people have downloaded the free Yoti app globally (3million in the UK). Yoti is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. For Yoti: press@yoti.com