Google Wallet expands its functionality with ID passes for the UK market, and mobile IDs spreading to more U.S. states.
As ID verification becomes widespread for numerous websites and services, Google Wallet extends its capabilities beyond contactless payments, enabling more people to use it as proof of identity or age.
For the first time, citizens of the UK will soon be able to create digital ID cards using their national passports and store them safely in Google Wallet. At launch, their functionality will be limited to select services. Thus, Google is first teaming up with the Rail Delivery Group, so train passengers can use their digital IDs to prove they qualify for certain Railcards when buying them online.
As for further developments, the tech giant is looking into possible certification within the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s digital identity system. This could let local residents use their Google Wallet ID passes for age-sensitive purchases like alcohol or tobacco.
To verify age in a secure and private manner, Google is integrating Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. This way, age can be checked separately, without linking to the user’s full ID information. This system lets one verify age on many mobile devices, apps, and websites using Google’s Digital Credential API. ZKP technology is also open-source for other wallets and online services to use.
In the U.S., Google is expanding the availability of saving government-issued digital IDs to Google Wallet and using such IDs at local departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) to more states and territories.
In addition, digital IDs created from a U.S. passport could be used for TSA security at supported airports for domestic travel, even if users don’t have a REAL ID driver’s license or state-issued ID. Those created from UK passports cannot be used for this purpose at the moment.
While presenting updates, Google also revealed the future use cases planned for the given service. These include using your digital ID for recovering Amazon accounts, accessing online health services with CVS and MyChart by Epic, verifying profiles on platforms like Uber, and more. Finally, Google announced the expansion of its Wallet services to unspecified countries.
