AI Age Verification Rolls Out to Topshop Gas Stations Across Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland – November 19, 2025 – A new AI-powered age verification system, MyCheckr, is now operational at 65 Topshop gas stations throughout Switzerland, aiming to prevent the sale of age-restricted products like alcohol adn tobacco to minors. The technology, developed to scan faces and estimate age, is being piloted as a potential nationwide solution to combat underage access, raising both excitement and privacy concerns.
The rollout comes amid increasing pressure on retailers to effectively enforce age restrictions and follows accomplished initial tests. Agrola, the company operating Topshop, partnered with MyCheckr to address challenges with customary ID checks, which can be inconsistent and time-consuming. The system analyzes facial features to estimate a customer’s age, triggering an alert if the estimated age is below the legal purchase age. If flagged, a staff member then requests identification.
mycheckr’s implementation is part of a broader trend toward AI-driven solutions in retail. The system’s accuracy and potential impact on consumer privacy are currently under scrutiny, with 20 Minuten launching a poll to gauge public opinion on AI age checking at checkout.
Dominic Forstenhauser, a trainee mediamatician at 20 Minuten, reported on the system’s deployment. The publication is also soliciting feedback on a recent redesign of its app and website.
