Blockchain-Powered Age Verification Comes to Google Wallet, Protecting User Privacy

Google has added a cutting-edge privacy feature to its Wallet app, enabling users to prove they meet age requirements without handing over personal details. The upgrade uses zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology—an advanced cryptographic approach that confirms facts without exposing the underlying data.

Instead of uploading government IDs or sharing birthdates, users can now verify their age with just a digital credential. The first major partner onboard is Bumble, which will integrate Google Wallet’s digital ID system to confirm user eligibility while keeping identities private.

ZKPs let someone mathematically prove they’re over a certain age—like 18 or 21—without showing how or why. The system operates using blockchain infrastructure, generating encrypted “proofs” that third-party platforms can verify without access to personal information. This means users stay in control of their data, even when compliance with age restrictions is required.

“This is about giving users a smarter, safer way to verify age,” Google said. “You should be able to prove you’re old enough without giving away your entire identity.”

The feature is now live in Google Wallet and functions across Android and web apps via the Digital Credential API, making it easy for developers to plug into their own systems.

As privacy-preserving tech gains traction, the ZKP space could see renewed interest. According to CoinGecko, tokens tied to zero-knowledge technologies are up 1.7% in the past 24 hours—hinting at a potential rebound for the sector as mainstream adoption picks up.