You just need to type “Scantek” into Reddit or glance at a thread about ID scanners, and you’ll probably come across more fallacies than facts. Posters express concerns about everything from data storage to conspiracy theories about facial recognition. And there’s no shortage of opinions (informed or otherwise). While we love a good Reddit rabbit hole, we also wanted to take a minute to set the record straight.
So we jumped into the forums, found the most common claims, and we’re here to bust the myths wide open. Venue owners, managers, & security teams, this one’s for you – a no-BS breakdown of what Scantek really does (and doesn’t) do, straight from the source.
MYTH 1: “Scantek keeps my patrons’ personal data forever.”
TRUTH: Nope. We don’t hoard your patrons’ data. In fact, it is automatically deleted after just 28 days.
Scantek will keep basic ID info for 28 days as a security measure. That’s it. Among other things, this window allows venue managers to respond to incidents that may come to light after a patron’s visit (think: brawls, complaints, or, if you’re really keen, follow-ups on lost property).
The only time we hang onto info longer is if a venue places a ban on a patron. Even then, that data is only retained for the duration of the ban. Once the ban’s up, the data is anonymised.
Finally, Scantek never stores biometric facial data from the scan.
MYTH 2: “If someone gets turned away for a fake ID, Scantek stores their face so they can’t try again.”
TRUTH: Incorrect. Our system does not store facial images of patrons who are refused entry.
If someone tries to get in with a dodgy or flagged ID and gets knocked back, their facial data disappears from the system. If they return with valid identification, they’ll be scanned just like anyone else.
Your venue staff will be able to make decisions based on what they see in real-time. We simply provide them with the tools to do it faster and more securely.
MYTH 3: “You can’t see if someone has had a previous (now lifted) ban.”
TRUTH: The venue that placed the original ban on a patron will see that previous ban flagged if the patron tries to revisit the venue in the future. Despite being expired, we use unique identifiers to flag previously banned patrons, which have no personally identifiable information.
When a previously-banned patron’s ID is scanned, your venue will receive a warning flag, indicating the length of the ban and the reason. What you do with that info is up to you. Some venues choose to uphold the ban permanently, while others allow the patron entry.
It’s at your discretion, and Scantek gives you the power to decide who gets in.
For previous, now expired, bans imposed on a patron by another venue, you won’t see this if the patron tries to enter your venue.
MYTH 4: “Patrons can’t enter with an expired licence and a receipt.”
TRUTH: Look, we get it. The new licence is in the mail. But if it’s not in their hand, our system will flag the expired ID.
Scantek will flag all expired IDs. For under 25s, it will flag as orange, and for 25+, it will pass as green, with a flag noting the ID is expired. In both cases, your staff still has discretion. If someone shows you proof of renewal and you’re comfortable with that, the decision is yours.
But as far as the system’s concerned, expired means expired. It’s our job to ensure our software is compliant with relevant entry regulations.
MYTH 5: “Scantek is hiding its privacy policy. My patrons can’t read it at the door.”
TRUTH: It’s 2025. Our privacy policy is available online, where your patrons can access it at any time on any internet-connected device. You could even stick a QR Code up for them if you want, directing them to it.
It’s important to note, though, that Scantek’s Privacy Policy is separate from your own venue’s Conditions of Entry. Venues should check the compliance obligations around patron consent for entry if they are concerned.
But back to our Privacy Policy – rather than cluttering up your entryway with fine print, we keep things transparent by publishing our full Privacy Policy for Venue Entry Patrons online. When you onboard with Scantek, you’ll also be given a ‘Terms and Conditions of Entry’ document, which goes through what we do with the data, when it is deleted, and other frequently asked questions. Venues are welcome to request a digital version of this from us, and you can print it out for your venue’s entry point if you wish.
We’re fully compliant with the Australian Privacy Principles and are ISO 27001 certified. That means your patrons’ data is protected to the highest standard.
MYTH 6: “Once a patron is banned, there’s no way to reverse it.”
TRUTH: Not true. Bans can be reversed, but only by the venue that placed the ban.
If a patron feels they’ve been banned unfairly, they can contact the venue directly. For more information about their ban, patrons can contact us using our Banned Patron Contact Form.
However, Scantek doesn’t make or lift bans. We just help you enforce them if you choose to.
MYTH 7: “Scantek sells patron data to third parties.”
TRUTH: Absolutely not. We do not sell your patrons’ identifiable data. We do not sell anonymised data. Full stop.
Your venue may use demographic information (e.g. age and gender breakdowns) to better understand patron trends or target promotions, but that data is never sold or shared with third parties. It’s your venue’s info, not ours.
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and operated, and your data never leaves Australian shores.
MYTH 8: “The police have access to all of Scantek’s data.”
TRUTH: No, they do not. The police and law enforcement agencies unequivocally do not have direct access to Scantek’s database. If police require information, they must go through the proper legal channels, typically by presenting a warrant.
It is rare, but disclosure of information is permitted when there is a serious threat to someone’s life, health, or safety. This is outlined under Australian Privacy Principle 6.2(b) and section 16A Item 1 of the Privacy Act. This process ensures that patron data is protected and only accessed in legitimate, regulated circumstances.
So here’s the TL;DR… What Scantek does (and doesn’t) do
Scantek…
- Instantly verify IDs in seconds, including over 10,000+ international ID types
- Flags banned patrons
- Protects your venue from underage entry
- Stores data securely and only for as long as needed
- Does not retain facial biometrics
- Complies with Australian Privacy Principles
- Supports your discretion at the door
- Does not sell data
- Makes it easy to reverse bans through venue control
- Offers the largest ID verification solution in Australia
Still got questions?
We love that. Our team would love to walk you through how Scantek works and show you how it can make your venue’s entry process safer, smarter, and faster. If you’re ready to see it in action, book a demo now and find out why more venues across Australia trust Scantek to help protect their patrons and their business.