Google Open-Sources Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Library for Age Verification

Google has open-sourced a Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) library to strengthen privacy protection and support EU Age Assurance requirements. This release is based on a partnership with Sparkasse, and provides an environment where developers can prove that certain conditions are met without exposing personal information.

ZKP technology allows users to prove certain facts without directly sharing their sensitive data. For example, a website visitor can verifiably prove that they are 18 or older without providing their date of birth or other personal information.

The main purposes of this open-source release are as follows.

• Users: Use a safer, more privacy-protected digital ecosystem
• Companies: Utilize an open-source solution to meet personal information protection requirements
• Developers: Utilize the codebase to build privacy-centric applications
• Researchers: Research new technology applications through high-performance ZKP implementations

In addition, the EU's eIDAS regulation, set to take effect in 2026, encourages member states to integrate privacy-enhancing technologies such as ZKP into the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). This move by Google is expected to help accelerate the pace at which governments build next-generation digital identity systems.