Google Wallet App Will Soon Add Support for Digital IDs in Select EU Countries

Google announced today that it’s planning to add support for digital IDs in its Google Wallet Android app in select EU countries this summer. The expansion will follow the recent launch of ID passes in Brazil, India, Taiwan and the U.K.

Adding a digital ID to the Google Wallet app allows Android users to prove their identity in way that respects their privacy and security. Google Wallet supports various types of state-issued IDs, including passports in the US, the UK, Singapore, Taiwan, and Brazil. Digital IDs support selective disclosure, which will only share the relevant details of a person’s ID when necessary.

Google also announced today a partnership with Sparkasse Bank in Europe to make it easy for users to prove their age in apps and websites without revealing their name, address, or birthdate. “This solution integrates directly with Android and Chrome, enabling seamless, one-click age checks on supported websites and apps, potentially even enabling whole new services — all without revealing personal data,” the company explained today.

This integration of Sparkasse as a credential partner for EU age assurance will be available in the coming months, and Google said that it will be partnering with more issuers in the future. In addition to this digital ID in Google Wallet expansion, Google is also expanding Google Pay direct checkout in Europe. This will allow customers to see their Google Wallet payment options right on retailers’ checkout pages, similar to how Apple Pay works in apps and websites.