Google Wallet to Store Digital Government IDs in UK and Select EU Countries Starting This Summer

Android users in Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, and Estonia will be able to add a digital version of a government-issued ID to Google Wallet starting this summer. Users will record a short video clip from the front-facing camera, scan the physical ID, and allow the app to cross-reference the two images. The digital IDs cannot be used to board flights or travel across the European Union.

They can be used for online age verification. Google has confirmed the same functionality will reach the UK soon. At launch, the company has partnered with the Rail Delivery Group so that users can present a digital UK passport to prove age and eligibility for a select Railcard.

Google stated it is exploring certification within the digital identity trust framework of the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Certification could allow residents to use Google Wallet ID passes for alcohol purchases and more.

Google Wallet already stores digital versions of credit and debit cards, UK Railcards, cinema and concert tickets, supermarket and coffee shop loyalty cards, and Covid-19 vaccination records.

Google began developing advanced age verification capabilities last year in response to the UK's Online Safety Act. The law requires websites and apps to verify that visitors are over 18 before granting access to certain content, including material that encourages self-harm, eating disorders, bullying, or dangerous stunts.

In the UK, online pornography is already blocked behind strict age checks that can include a facial scan or credit card verification.

Google and Apple have both introduced methods to verify device owners' age using saved credit card data or digital IDs. 4, Apple required iPhone and iPad owners in Britain to perform a quick age check. Failure to complete the check blocks access to adult websites, some high-risk social media content, and applies stricter communication safety checks in Messages and FaceTime.

Similar age verification rules have since appeared in the United States and other countries. UK Wallet. The Labour Government has said some people will be able to start using the app soon.

UK Wallet will allow users to save government-issued digital documents to their phone and present them to organisations, businesses, and other government bodies to prove age, identity, or eligibility for services. UK Wallet will meet the digital identity trust framework standards set by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Users will be able to treat the digital versions the same as paper or card versions.

UK Wallet will not accept non-government documents such as train or concert tickets. 10.