Google Wallet Adopts Zero-Knowledge Proof Technology

Google has announced the integration of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology into its eponymous digital wallet. This initiative aims to verify identity while safeguarding privacy.

The pilot launch will take place in the United Kingdom, with plans to expand the system to the United States and other countries.

“Since many websites and services require age verification, we decided to create a system that not only performs this function but also maximally protects user privacy,” the company blog stated.

According to company representatives, ZKP will allow users to prove they have reached a certain age without disclosing their identity or date of birth.

Google Wallet enables the storage and use of digital versions of various cards and documents, such as:

• debit and credit cards for NFC payments;
• boarding passes and transport tickets;
• loyalty cards and gift certificates;
• digital car keys, if supported by the manufacturer;
• digital IDs (in some countries).

The service operates in conjunction with Google Pay.

The company has developed its own ZKP system based on technologies from the startup Ligero, founded in 2018. It is backed by major players, including Galaxy Ventures, 1kx, Franklin Templeton, Robot Ventures, and Digital Currency Group.

How deeply Google Wallet will integrate with the crypto industry remains unclear. However, the company’s ZKP solutions will be open-source and available for implementation by third-party developers.

Google also announced that the digital ID in Wallet can be used both offline and online — including as a passport substitute for domestic flights in the US. Other scenarios include recovering Amazon accounts, accessing medical services through CVS and MyChart by Epic, and verifying profiles on Uber.

Previously, zero-knowledge proofs were largely an academic concept until crypto projects like Zcash found practical applications for them in scaling and privacy contexts. Now, these solutions underpin technologies like ZK-Rollups, used by Starknet and ZKsync, as well as privacy mechanisms such as zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs.

Back in April, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin called privacy the foundation of freedom.