Identity Verification Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

Identity verification is mandatory for all users registering with or accessing casino and betting services through operators that employ the Cloudcheck system in New Zealand. This process is undertaken to:

• Confirm identity and age eligibility (18 years or older)
• Prevent fraudulent account creation and unauthorised access
• Satisfy regulatory obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act)
• Support responsible gambling initiatives
• Ensure operator licensing remains valid

This policy applies to individuals interacting with any casino or betting platform integrated with Cloudcheck services in New Zealand.

2. Verification Methods

Verification may be carried out via the following channels:

• Standalone web application accessed through a secure link
• API integration within the operator’s platform
• Email-based verification requests sent directly to users
• Batch verification via bulk document upload by operators
• Image capture functionality for document submission

All methods cross-reference data in real-time with authorised New Zealand government and commercial databases.

3. Required Documentation

3.1 Proof of Identity

Users are required to provide one of the following valid identification documents:

• New Zealand Passport (current or expired within the last two years)
• New Zealand Driver Licence (full or restricted, current)

Documents must clearly display the photograph, full legal name, date of birth, and document number. Expired documents outside the permitted timeframe are not accepted.

3.2 Proof of Address

A recent document (issued within 90 days) showing the current residential address is required. Acceptable documents:

• Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Rates notice or local authority correspondence
• Government-issued correspondence

Post office box addresses are not accepted. The submitted address must correspond to the registration details.

3.3 Proof of Payment Method

Where required, users must verify payment method ownership by submitting:

• Bank account statement with account holder name and account number
• Screenshot of online banking interface displaying required details
• Credit or debit card image (front only, with middle digits obscured)

Payment method verification may be requested at account opening, upon first withdrawal, or when payment information changes.

4. Verification Process

4.1 Submission

Document submission is completed through the designated Cloudcheck interface provided by the casino or betting operator. Requirements:

• Images must be clear, legible, and show all corners
• Submissions must be in colour, not black and white photocopies
• Documents must be unaltered and free from digital manipulation
• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, PDF

4.2 Data Cross-Referencing

Cloudcheck validates submitted information against:

• NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) driver licence database
• Department of Internal Affairs passport records
• Companies Office registry
• Land Information New Zealand property records
• Credit bureau data
• Global PEP and sanctions lists via Dow Jones

Where applicable, biometric face matching is employed to compare document photographs with user-submitted images. Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) data from passports and licences is extracted and validated.

4.3 Processing Timeframes

• Standard verification: within 24 hours
• Complex/manual review cases: up to 72 hours
• Incomplete or unclear submissions: returned for resubmission with instructions

During high-volume periods or when further information is required, processing times may be extended.

4.4 Outcome Notification

Applicants are informed of their verification status by email:

• Approved: full account access granted
• Pending: additional information or clarification required
• Rejected: specific reasons and resubmission instructions provided

Operators receive real-time updates through API or dashboard access.

5. Re-Verification Requirements

Re-verification is required in the following cases:

• Change of residential address
• Change of legal name (marriage, deed poll)
• Change of payment method ownership
• Document expiry
• Periodic compliance review as requested by operator
• Detection of suspicious activity

Failure to complete re-verification within specified timelines may result in account restrictions or suspension.

6. Data Handling and Retention

All submitted documents and data are:

• Encrypted in transit and at rest
• Retained for the legally required period under the AML/CFT Act (typically seven years from account closure)
• Accessed only by authorised personnel and regulatory authorities
• Not disclosed to third parties unless required by law or with explicit user consent

Users may request copies of verification records by contacting the operator directly.

7. Verification Failure

Common reasons for verification failure include:

• Use of documents expired beyond the permitted timeframe
• Mismatch between submitted details and database records
• Poor image quality preventing data extraction
• Suspected forgery or document alteration
• Appearance on PEP or sanctions screening lists
• User age below 18 years

Users may resubmit corrected documents. Repeated failure may trigger enhanced due diligence procedures or permanent account rejection.

8. User Obligations

Users must:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information
• Submit genuine, unaltered documents
• Respond promptly to information requests
• Notify operators of changes to verified details
• Not create multiple accounts using different identities

Deliberate submission of false information is considered fraud and may result in account termination, forfeiture of funds, and referral to law enforcement.

9. Operator Obligations

Casino and betting operators using Cloudcheck must:

• Perform verification at account opening or before first withdrawal
• Clearly communicate verification requirements to users
• Provide secure document upload options
• Restrict account functionality until verification completion
• Maintain audit trails of all verification activities

Operators remain responsible for meeting AML/CFT compliance and licensing requirements.

10. Technical Standards

Cloudcheck infrastructure adheres to the following technical standards:

• ISO 27001 information security management certification
• 256-bit SSL encryption for all transmissions
• Regular third-party security audits
• 99.9% system uptime
• Redundant, geographically separated data storage

Maintenance windows are scheduled during off-peak periods with advance notice to operators.

11. Regulatory Compliance

Verification procedures are aligned with:

• Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009
• Privacy Act 2020
• Department of Internal Affairs gambling compliance standards
• International AML/CFT standards (FATF recommendations)

Verification records are provided to authorised agencies upon lawful request, and cooperation is maintained with regulatory inquiries.

12. Policy Updates

This policy undergoes an annual review and is updated as necessary to reflect:

• Amendments to New Zealand legislation
• Regulatory guidance updates
• Technological advancements
• Operational experience

Operators receive notification of material changes with reasonable implementation timelines. Continued use of Cloudcheck services constitutes acceptance of updated policy terms.

13. Contact and Disputes

Verification-related queries must be directed to the respective casino or betting operator through which services are accessed. Operators maintain support channels with Verifi for escalation of technical or policy matters.

Users disputing verification outcomes must submit supporting evidence to the operator. The operator coordinates review with the compliance team. Final decisions rest with the operator in accordance with licensing requirements.