- Google has introduced zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in Wallet for privacy-preserving age verification.
- Dating app Bumble will be among the first to use the new system for verifying user age via digital IDs.
Search giant Google has introduced a new privacy-centric feature in its Wallet service, allowing users to verify their age without disclosing personal details. The update leverages zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology, a cryptographic method that enables users to prove they meet certain conditions, such as being over 18, without revealing any other information.
One of the first companies to adopt the technology is dating app Bumble, which will use digital IDs issued via Google Wallet to verify users’ ages. The process is handled through ZKPs, which confirm eligibility without accessing or exposing government-issued documents or birthdates.
The new system responds to increasing demand for secure, privacy-preserving age verification across various online platforms. Services such as e-commerce, social media, and dating apps increasingly require age checks, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
“We wanted to develop a system that not only verifies age, but does it in a way that protects your privacy,” Google said in a statement.
Traditional verification methods often rely on sensitive personal data, creating vulnerabilities and risks of misuse. ZKPs offer an alternative by running verification conditions, like age thresholds, on encrypted data. The system generates a cryptographic proof that can be checked using public keys, confirming the information without disclosing any underlying details.
This functionality is now live within Google Wallet and operates through the company’s Digital Credential API. It can be embedded into third-party platforms, enabling broader adoption across mobile apps and websites.
While ZKPs have long been a key use case for blockchain technology, their practical applications have remained limited to niche sectors. However, adoption by major tech companies could signal a shift.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
