Google Open Sources Zero-Knowledge Proof Libraries to Enhance Privacy in Age Assurance
July 3, 2025 — In a significant move to promote privacy and security in digital age verification, Google has announced the open sourcing of its Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) libraries. This release fulfills a prior commitment and builds upon its collaboration with Sparkasse, a major European banking group, to support stringent EU age assurance requirements.
What is Zero-Knowledge Proof?
Zero-Knowledge Proof is a cutting-edge cryptographic technology that allows one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any additional information. In the context of age assurance, ZKP enables users to confirm they meet age requirements—such as being over 18—without exposing personal details like exact birth dates or other identifying data. This approach significantly enhances user privacy and mitigates risks associated with data sharing.
Google’s Commitment to Privacy and Compliance
Google’s decision to open source its ZKP libraries aligns with its broader mission to develop secure, privacy-preserving technologies that comply with regulatory standards. The initial development and deployment of these libraries arose from Google’s partnership with Sparkasse, helping to facilitate age assurance in compliance with European Union regulations.
By making the ZKP technologies publicly available, Google aims to encourage adoption and innovation across industries that require age or identity verification. This move also signals Google’s encouragement for a collaborative community effort to refine and apply zero-knowledge techniques across diverse use cases.
What’s Included in the Release?
The open source release includes comprehensive cryptographic libraries capable of implementing Zero-Knowledge Proof protocols suitable for age assurance systems. These tools allow developers and organizations to integrate privacy-preserving age verification into their applications, websites, or services.
Potential Impact and Future Directions
Privacy advocates and industry leaders have long emphasized the need for solutions that verify sensitive information without compromising user privacy. Google’s open source ZKP libraries provide a tangible solution to this challenge, facilitating safer online environments, especially where age-restricted content or services are involved.
Looking ahead, Google encourages the developer community to contribute to the project, explore new boundaries for zero-knowledge applications, and help shape standards for privacy-preserving verification technologies worldwide.
About Google Wallet and Age Assurance
Alan Stapelberg, Group Product Manager for Google Wallet, shared the announcement highlighting the importance of this project in balancing compliance and privacy. Google Wallet has been at the forefront of integrating secure digital identity and payment solutions, and this release further consolidates its leadership in privacy-centric technology innovations.
For developers and organizations interested in exploring or contributing to the Zero-Knowledge Proof libraries, the code is now available on Google’s official open source repositories.
Stay tuned for more updates on advances in privacy, security, and digital identity from Google.
Share this article:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Email | Copy Link
