In an exciting development, Google has announced that its digital wallet service is set to enhance its offerings by incorporating digital IDs in additional states. This move not only broadens the scope of Google Wallet but also introduces a new feature for private age verification, making it a more versatile tool for users. Furthermore, the app is gearing up for a significant expansion into 50 new countries, promising a more global reach.
Residents of states such as Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon have the opportunity to store their government-issued digital IDs within Google Wallet. Additionally, individuals in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico will be able to utilize their mobile IDs for transactions at the DMV, streamlining the process of identification.
As the deadline for REAL ID compliance approaches on May 7, 2025, Google emphasizes that users can create an ID Pass from their U.S. passport to facilitate TSA security checks for domestic flights at participating airports. It’s important to note, however, that this ID Pass is not a substitute for a physical ID, so travelers should continue to carry their traditional identification.
Moreover, users will soon find it easier to manage their online identities, as the digital ID can be used for account recovery on platforms like Amazon, accessing health services through CVS and MyChart by Epic, and verifying profiles on ride-sharing services such as Uber.
In a further expansion, Google is enabling residents in the U.K. to generate digital ID passes using their U.K. passports, which can be securely stored in Google Wallet, enhancing convenience for users across the pond.
Recognizing the growing need for verification across various online platforms, Google aims to implement a system that not only confirms users’ ages but also safeguards their privacy. To achieve this, the company is integrating zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology into Google Wallet, which allows for secure and efficient age verification.
This innovative integration will enable rapid age verification across mobile devices, applications, and websites utilizing Google’s digital credential API. Google plans to extend the use of ZKP technology to other products and collaborate with applications like Bumble, which will leverage digital IDs from Google Wallet for identity verification while ensuring age verification through ZKP. Additionally, Google intends to make its ZKP technology open-source, allowing other digital wallets and online services to benefit from this advancement.
As for the anticipated expansion of Google Wallet into 50 more countries, specific details regarding the countries involved have yet to be disclosed. TechCrunch has reached out for further information, and users are eager to see how this expansion will unfold.