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IKE Tech harnesses blockchain technology for real-time identity and age verification to tackle underage vaping in the US
Human Factors validation study unveiled 100% effectiveness in age-gating with IKE's BLE Chip
Compatible with all ENDS devices, IKE is leading the way toward a safer, more secure future for the ENDS industry
IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech"), a leading innovator in the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV) and tokenization technology, announced today that it has filed a component Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Tobacco Product Master File (TPMF) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its blockchain-based Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip with the smartphone-enabled identity and age-verification IKE Mobile Application.
This marks the first ever complete PMTA submission for a standalone, scalable age-gating component that provides real-time continuous age verification at the point-of-use for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The IKE System is designed for universal integration across all ENDS devices, utilizing unique blockchain-based tokenization technology to further ensure user privacy and security.
According to a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study submitted as part of the PMTA, the IKE system proved to be 100% effective in preventing device activation for anyone under the age of 21. The company has formally requested expedited review of its application, emphasizing the system's potential to enhance public health.
"This is a major milestone for IKE Tech and the ENDS category", commented John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. "We're not just building technology. We're paving a new regulatory framework that gives the FDA and manufacturers powerful tools to safeguard public health and ensure adult-only access to vaping products. With proven, scalable age-gating technology built into ENDS devices, the sector now has a real opportunity to eliminate underage vaping for good".
One chip, every device: unlocking new era of vaping
IKE Tech adopted a rigorous software development lifecycle, following consultation with the FDA. The IKE platform offers a seamless identity and age verification experience via a single, user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android. By leveraging blockchain technology, it securely validates user's identity and age through integrated identity verification (IDV) partners, anchoring credentials to a tokenization system without storing sensitive data on user's device, nor on IKE's system, to ensure complete user privacy and security.
Unlike existing solutions that allow permanent access after a single verification, IKE's system requires continuous verification to maintain device access. Human Factors Validation study showed 91% of users (aged 18 – 67) rated the app as "Extremely Easy" or "Very Easy" to use - with a user error rate of less than 0.8% - proving its appeal to the wider market.
"This is a pivotal moment from a regulatory perspective," said Kevin Burd, CEO of Chemular. By embedding robust age verification at the point of use, the IKE technology enables manufacturers and regulators to confidently allow access to a broader range of products for verified adults. This approach opens the doors for responsible flavor pathways, empowering adult consumers with more choice, while maintaining the highest levels of youth protection."
Building Smarter and Better ENDS
IKE Tech is dedicated to building a better, more secure future for all. To meet the evolving needs of manufacturers, the company is planning to continue integrating advanced features like counterfeit protection, geofencing, targeted messaging, and real-time data access to its systems.
These innovations are designed to address underage vaping and combat the illicit market, ensuring that only products that FDA has determined are Appropriate for the Protection of Public Health (APPH) are available to adult users.
To learn more about IKE Tech, visit www.iketech.com.
Notes to Editors:
Human Factors Study Design and Key Results
Conducted with 102 participants (51% male, 49% female, aged 18–67 across race/ethnic demographics), the study simulated real-world use of the IKE system. Participants downloaded the app, verified their age, paired with a test device and interacted with BLE-based access controls including biometric reactivation.
Key performance highlights:
100% of users (n=101) successfully completed age verification
0% of underage users were able to activate a device
100% of devices deactivated after set period of inactivity or loss of Bluetooth signal
91% rated the app "Extremely Easy" or "Very Easy" to use
Errors occurred in only 1% of task attempts
Devices could only be reactivated with biometric authentication. Demographic data (age, race/ethnicity, gender) was accurately verified in all cases. The results confirm the IKE System's ability to reduce user error, prevent underage access, and provide a user-friendly experience for adults.
About IKE Tech
IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") is pioneering real-time age and identity verification at the point of use, helping to safeguard access to age-restricted products.
A leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV), and tokenization technology, IKE Tech has developed an industry-first, scalable age-gating component that provides continuous, real-time verification for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other restricted consumer products.
IKE Tech's interoperable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip, powered by a user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android, integrates seamlessly into ENDS devices, giving manufacturers and regulators a flexible, future-proofed solution to combat underage vaping and illicit markets. By setting the new standard for responsible, adult-only access, IKE Tech is helping eliminate youth vaping for good.
SOURCE IKE Tech LLC
IKETech, a leading innovator in smart home, Internet of Things (IoT), and identity verification technology has been granted the SOC 2® Type II certification, solidifying its commitment to the highest standards of security, availability, and data integrity.
SOC 2® Type II certification, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a globally recognized standard that evaluates an organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
The successful audit, conducted by Sensiba LLP, a premier provider of risk assurance and advisory services, further demonstrates IKETech’s ability to not only implement rigorous security protocols but also maintain them consistently over time.
Commenting on the news, Thomas Chen, Co-founder and CTO of Berify, a partner of IKETech said: "Earning the SOC 2® Type II certification is a significant milestone that underscores IKETech’s dedication to safeguarding data and promoting user trust. As we expand our mission to integrate portable digital identity and tokenized identity into smart home IoT, and across critical sectors like healthcare, construction, and consumer safety, this certification reaffirms our commitment to privacy, accountability, and data security."
IKETech’s platform leverages cryptographic encryption to protect user data and maintain the integrity of its tokenized identity solutions. By integrating identity verification (IDV) into connected devices, IKETech enables seamless and secure access control, enhancing accountability and traceability across various applications.
John Patterson, President of IKETech added: “The successful completion of the SOC 2® Type II audit reflects IKETech’s proactive approach to risk management, regulatory compliance, and data privacy. The rigorous audit process, conducted by Sensiba LLP, validates IKETech’s robust infrastructure and secure operational practices, giving clients and partners confidence in our ability to handle sensitive information securely.”
For more information about IKETech’s security practices and smart IoT solutions, please visit www.IKEtech.com.
About IKETech
IKETech is transforming the smart home IoT landscape by integrating identity verification (IDV), portable digital identity, and tokenized identity into connected devices, ensuring enhanced security, accountability, and user control. From smart locks to construction site access, IKETech bridges the gap between digital identity and real-world applications with advanced cryptographic encryption technologies.
About Sensiba LLP
Sensiba LLP is a trusted accounting and advisory firm that specializes in SOC 2® audits, risk assurance, and compliance services, helping businesses safeguard data and maintain regulatory standards. Learn more at www.sensiba.com.
IKETech, a leader in identity verification (IDV) and tokenization technology has announced the expansion of its innovative solutions into the smart home and IoT market. The company’s technology now supports a wide range of devices, including smart locks, security systems, and connected appliances, marking a significant step in IKETech’s mission to bring secure, traceable, and privacy-first identity verification to everyday consumer products.
With the rising demand for smart home security, IKETech’s proven IDV tokenization technology now ensures secure and traceable access control for homeowners, while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy. The integration of IKETech’s solutions into leading smart lock ecosystems, such as UTec Smart Locks, further reinforces the company’s commitment to providing robust and flexible identity verification for a wide range of IoT devices.
IKETech’s IDV tokenization technology also provides an innovative approach to smart home access control, enabling users to verify their identities without compromising privacy. By eliminating the need to store sensitive biometric data, the technology offers a solution that focuses on security, privacy, and user control.
Key Features of IKETech’s Smart Home Solutions include:
Secure Identity Verification: Users undergo a one-time identity verification process, with encrypted tokens replacing the need for stored biometric data.
PII-Free Access Control: IKETech’s tokenization method ensures no personally identifiable information (PII) is stored, reducing risks associated with data breaches.
Device Agnostic Integration: IKETech’s solutions integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of smart home and IoT devices, including smart locks, security systems, and home automation hubs.
Traceable User Access: Every access event is linked to a verified user, enabling traceability without compromising privacy.
John Patterson, President of IKETech said: “Expanding our identity verification solutions into the smart home and IoT space is a natural progression of IKETech’s mission to make identity-secure environments accessible to everyone. Our technology brings robust, user-friendly, and privacy-first authentication to the devices people rely on every day, from smart locks to connected appliances.”
IKETech’s technology is not limited to smart locks. With growing consumer demand for interconnected and secure smart home ecosystems, IKETech now supports:
Smart Locks & Access Control Systems
Home Security Cameras & Alarm Systems
Smart Appliances & Home Automation Devices
Connected Health and Wellness IoT Devices
John Patterson concludes: “IKETech is enabling manufacturers, developers, and homeowners to benefit from industry-leading identity verification and tokenization technologies. The addition of support for smart locks, including popular devices like UTec Smart Locks, showcases our flexibility in enhancing security across various ecosystems without sacrificing user privacy.”
ENDS
About IKETech
IKETech is a leading provider of identity verification, tokenization, and access control solutions, empowering industries ranging from smart homes and IoT to finance, healthcare, and regulated markets. With a commitment to privacy, security, and innovation, IKETech delivers scalable solutions that protect users and businesses alike.
For more information, visit www.iketech.com.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to tackle the rise in the numbers of young people vaping, with data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) showing that youth vaping has nearly tripled in the last four years (18% of 11–17 year-olds tried vaping in 2024).
However, under the current provisions of the Bill, vaping products can still get into the hands of young people, as the Bill does not tackle the most fundamental issue preventing the UK from solving the problem: accessibility.
Current proposed restrictions on packaging, contents and display in shops will have no impact on the ability for underage audiences to use vaping products. Granted these restrictions may slightly limit appeal, but addressing the most common way youth get access to vaping products is fundamental in limiting usage.
IKE Tech, an age and biometric verification platform, is calling on the Government to pave the way for tech solutions that will solve the problem of vape accessibility. The new technology makes it possible for each vape on sale in the UK market to include secure Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which acts as a ‘child lock’ to prevent under-18s from using vaping devices. Essentially, only vape users who can continuously prove they are over the age of 18 will be able to activate and use the devices.
John Patterson, Senior Vice President at IKE Tech, says: “Eliminating youth usage must combine measures at both point-of-purchase and point-of-use. Many retailers already do a great job at implementing in-store age verification policies such as Challenge 25, however, the new technology provides a secure ’double age-gate’ to also prevent access at the point of use”.
The IKE tech works through a small, low-cost chip integrated into a vape device that is controlled via a mobile app, working in partnership with global identity verification partners to authenticate users. The tech solution works with any brand of vape and does not impact device performance for adult users.
IKE is calling on the Government to mandate the use of similar open technology to ensure that young people cannot use vapes without verifying that they are of legal age.
Patterson concludes: “The technology helps to reassure retailers that if genuine age-verification errors are made at point of purchase – or proxy purchasing takes place – any underage users will not be able to access the product as it would be inoperable until the user’s identity and age is verified and confirmed on a continuous basis.
“By embracing this new technology, responsible manufacturers would be showing their support for retail partners in helping to safeguard the category and preserve the harm reduction benefits of vaping for adult smokers. The industry is ripe for technological disruption to cut short this problem, and continuous age-verification at the point of use can be that solution.
Political Reporter
Ministers have been urged to deploy a biometric age verification solution to address the issue of underage vaping.
The company IKE Tech says it has developed a technological solution to mandate continuous age verification on vapes.
It comes as the government is set to bring the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Parliament which proposes to gradually raise the age people can legally be sold tobacco, make vape packaging less attractive to children and introduce a vape and tobacco licensing scheme.
But IKE has argued that although current measures in the Bill will help reduce underage vaping, it will not end it.
Their product, they say, is an age and biometric verification platform which could see each vape on sale in the UK market include a bluetooth chip acting as a ‘childlock’.
IKE said this would mean any vape an under-18 tried to use will not turn on unless they are age-verified, via an app connected to the chip partnered with global identity authenticators.
Underage vaping access
Jason Carignan, IKE managing director, said: “The government has the opportunity to pave the way for tech solutions that will have a transformative impact on tackling underage access to vaping products.
“It’s the right time to do so given youth vaping has nearly tripled in the last four years in Britain. The industry is ripe for technological disruption to cut short this problem, and continuous age-verification at the point of use can be delivered at no cost to the taxpayer.”
While health psychologist Sairah Salim-Sartoni said: “Adult smokers need access to tools like vaping products to help them move away from combustible cigarettes – the UK’s deadliest killer – while ensuring that it doesn’t get into the hands of young people.
“If technology can play an important role in achieving this goal, then it is right that the government considers legislative options to enable this.”
The Department for Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment.