By Michael Gwarisa
A new multi-center study has validated the effectiveness of the IKE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System in preventing underage access to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), signaling a potential breakthrough in youth vaping prevention efforts.
The study was made possible through a partnership between Ispire Technology Inc., an innovator in vaping technology and precision dosing; Touchpoint World Wide Inc., doing business as Berify (“Berify”), a cutting-edge platform that connects physical products to the digital world while enhancing digital engagement and brand protection; and Chemular International Inc. (“Chemular”), a multidisciplinary regulatory consulting firm.
The study, titled “Validation of the IKE BLE System for Age-Gating and Control of an ENDS Device: A Multi-Center Human Factors Study,” tested the system’s ability to control access to a vaping device using advanced age-verification protocols and Bluetooth technology. According to the findings, the system achieved a 100% success rate in verifying users’ age, with no underage participants able to activate the device.
Conducted with 102 participants across various age groups—ranging from 18 to 67 years—the study simulated real-world scenarios where users had to install the IKE application on their smartphones, complete age verification, and activate a test vaping device via Bluetooth. Notably, 99% of participants were able to install the app successfully, and all who did were able to complete the age verification process without error.
This is a critical step in ensuring only legal-age individuals have access to ENDS devices,” said researchers behind the study. “The IKE BLE System not only verifies age but also integrates biometric authentication and automatic deactivation protocols to prevent unauthorized use.”
The system’s age verification process is powered by a third-party service that complies with U.S. legal age requirements for tobacco product access. Once verified, users can connect their smartphone to the ENDS device via Bluetooth, which remains inactive until the connection is made. If idle for 15 minutes or if the Bluetooth connection is lost, the device is supposed to automatically deactivate—a feature that proved slightly less consistent, with 15% of participants reporting issues.
Nevertheless, biometric re-authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition to reactivate the device, was largely successful, with 98% of users completing it without problems.
Participants gave the IKE system high marks for ease of use: 74% rated the app as “Extremely Easy” to navigate, while only 1% found it “Not Easy at All.” While older participants (aged 65 and above) reported slightly lower confidence in using the app compared to younger groups, there were no statistically significant differences across gender or ethnicity.
Some users, however, expressed concerns about the reliability of Bluetooth connectivity and the clarity of instructions for biometric features. These insights are expected to inform further refinement of the application.
Funded by IKE Tech LLC, the study underscores the growing role of technology in tobacco harm reduction and youth protection. With regulatory bodies like the FDA placing increased emphasis on preventing youth nicotine use, such validated systems could play a pivotal role in shaping future ENDS regulations.
