Screenshots of the barZapp app. Image via the iTunes store
Developers of barZapp, the app that scans the barcode on IDs to determine whether or not they are fake, are working to make an Android version of the app available soon.
Mobile security experts at Intellicheck Mobilisa, a company based in Port Townsend, Washington, are the creators of barZapp.
“We saw an issue, and wanted to help solve it,” said Nelson Ludlow, PhD, CEO of Intellicheck Mobilisa.
“We are very proud of barZapp, not only because it will save millions of dollars and a great deal of trouble for business owners and other stakeholders, but most of all because using it can protect young people from themselves.”
Bar owners, alcohol and cigarette vendors, and anyone else looking to crack down on fake IDs or expired or misappropriated drivers’ licences can download barZapp from the iTunes store for US$1.99. That cost is for the introductory version of the app, so those who expect to make frequent use of barZapp will have to shell out for a monthly or annual licence for US$19.95 a month.
barZapp scans an ID’s barcode to verify encoded data, such as the name of the card owner, his or her date of birth, the ID’s expiration date and the ID’s number.
Ludlow told U.S. News & World Report that while the app probably won’t catch every fake ID, it’s an inexpensive and efficient tool.
