Age Verification PolicyPolicy Topic

Dispensary ID scanning framed as age verification but used for data collection

April 6, 2026r/privacy

In r/privacy, people argue some businesses over-collect identity data by scanning driver licenses while claiming it is required for age checks, raising concerns about downstream retention and reuse of that data.

I had this issue with cannabis dispensaries in California.
It seems like all of them in my area scan the back of the DL, claiming it's state law.
In fact, the only requirement in state law is to verify 18+ age.
The companies providing this technology are allowing easy verification for the businesses, but keeping the data for themselves.
r/privacy
privacydata retentionage verificationdata exposure

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