The Injustice of ID Scanning for Cigarettes: A Call for Fair Laws

Age verification has become a prevalent issue in today's society, particularly in the context of purchasing cigarettes. The requirement for individuals to show identification (ID) to prove their age when buying cigarettes, especially when they are not asked to do the same for alcohol, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about harassment, privacy invasion, and age discrimination.

Privacy and Information Security Concerns

The scanning of IDs goes beyond mere age verification. Many businesses scan IDs to gather personal information, which is subsequently sold to marketing companies. While they claim that the purpose is simply to check ages, the reality is that reading IDs would suffice without the invasive scanning process. The fact that all IDs must be scanned, despite the fact that such information is stored and shared with third parties, raises serious concerns about privacy and data protection.

Such practices have led to an increase in spam calls and irrelevant mail related to the sale of cigarettes. Even purchases made under the guise of buying other items are subject to such invasive measures, which can be seen as a violation of personal information. It is important to recognize that the current laws and practices may have unintended consequences, such as the misappropriation of personal information and potential misuse of authority by those in charge.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The legal framework requires that individuals be carded (or checked for age) if they appear under 27 or 30, as a precautionary measure. However, the lack of transparency and the unjustified invasion of privacy place undue burden on individuals, especially those who are over 65 years old. Being required to prove one's age in this manner is not only a hassle but also constitutes a form of age-based discrimination. The constant need to provide identification and the associated misinformation can be frustrating and even distressing for seniors.

Furthermore, the government's role in allowing such practices must be questioned. It is clear that the government permits these practices, despite the potential for misuse and the negative impact on individual freedoms. The necessity to adapt and refine these laws to protect the privacy and dignity of all individuals, while upholding the legal requirements, cannot be overstated.

Real-World Examples

Several individuals have shared their experiences of being required to prove age when purchasing cigarettes, even though they are well over the legal drinking age. For instance, a 78-year-old individual was carded for the first time in their life, indicating the discriminatory nature of such requirements. Similarly, a 50-year-old with visible tattoos was refused the purchase of cigarettes due to the lack of ID, despite looking significantly older than the person checking their ID.

These stories highlight the need for a more pragmatic and fair approach to age verification. While it is important to ensure compliance with the law, it is equally crucial to balance this with the respect and dignity owed to every individual. The requirement to show ID should be based on a person's appearance, not their actual age, and should be used more judiciously to prevent occurrences of harassment and discrimination.

Conclusion

The ongoing issue of ID scanning for cigarettes has raised significant concerns about privacy, dignity, and fairness. It is essential that regulations be reviewed and updated to protect the rights of all individuals, particularly the elderly, while ensuring legal compliance. The fight for our freedoms must continue, and it is crucial to address the misuses and injustices that have become commonplace in our society. By advocating for more reasonable and respectful policies, we can work towards a more equitable and just system.