As digital identity solutions get better, tech giants like Google are making them more accessible and user friendly. With the latest update to Google Wallet you’ll be able to store a digital version of your US passport and use it at select TSA checkpoints, so travel gets even more seamless and secure.
But the implications go way beyond just making your next flight a little easier. As Google works with governments, regulators and other players in the identity ecosystem, they’re building a future where your digital ID is accepted in more and more places – from renting a car to applying for benefits online.
So what does this mean for you and how does it fit into the digital identity landscape? Let’s dive in.
Google Wallet will soon allow you to create a digital ID pass from your US passport for use at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. Here’s how it works:
But Google’s ambitions go beyond airport security. They’re working with partners to get digital identity solutions accepted in other use cases like car rentals, account recovery and identity verification for online services.
One of the big advantages of digital IDs is the level of control and privacy they offer over physical documents.
With a digital ID you can choose to share only the information required for a given interaction rather than exposing all your personal details like you would with a physical ID. And before any of your ID information can be shared, you’ll need to authenticate yourself with a fingerprint, PIN or passcode so only you can authorize access to your data.
Google’s Digital Travel ID is part of a bigger trend towards digital identity solutions. Digital IDs are better than traditional methods in so many ways, especially security, convenience and privacy.
Traditional identity verification methods, like physical documents, can be stolen, lost or forged. Digital IDs can provide encrypted verification, reducing fraud by a lot. And they’re more convenient, you don’t have to carry multiple physical documents with you.
And then there’s privacy. Google Wallet’s Digital Travel ID promises user privacy through encrypted real-time verification, only sharing what’s necessary during the verification process. But centralised platforms like Google Wallet have limitations, mainly around user control and data privacy.
That’s where decentralised identity solutions like Vidos come in.
Google’s Digital Travel ID is a centralized approach to identity management. Centralized platforms rely on the infrastructure and security of one provider—in this case Google—and its partnership with government bodies.
Decentralized identity lets users control their own digital identities without relying on one central entity. This means more privacy, full data ownership and more security by reducing the single point of failure.
For example Vidos’ decentralized identity solutions are designed to be cross platform so users can verify their identity securely and privately in many contexts—travel, healthcare, finance, e-commerce. Unlike Google’s approach which ties users to their platform, Vidos enables identity management across multiple systems without being locked into one ecosystem.
To get digital IDs widely adopted Google is working with governments, regulators and the organisations and businesses that will accept these credentials (known as “relying parties” in the identity industry).
By following industry standards Google is ensuring consistency and interoperability between different digital identity solutions. They’re also taking an open approach and providing tools and resources for third parties to build their own compatible solutions for Android devices.
As digital IDs become more common they can simplify a whole range of in-person interactions. Imagine being able to rent a car or pick up a prescription without having to show a physical document – your digital ID could be verified with a tap of your phone.
But perhaps even more exciting are the possibilities for remote interactions. With a solid digital identity infrastructure in place you could do things like file your taxes, apply for a loan or sign up for government benefits entirely online, with your digital ID as secure and verified proof of who you are.
Google’s digital ID efforts are still in the early days but they have a clear roadmap. In the US they’re gradually rolling out the ability to store digital versions of state-issued IDs across more and more states.
Internationally Google Wallet is integrating mobile transit tickets and payment options in cities and transit systems around the world. Features like automatic ticket importing from Gmail and live train updates are making the daily commute easier than ever.
Looking forward Google will continue to work with partners around the world to make Google Wallet the one stop shop for all your digital ID and payment needs. As these partnerships come to fruition and digital identity standards mature you’ll see your phone become an essential tool for life offline and online.
As we look to the future it’s clear digital identity solutions like those from Google will be at the heart of our lives. If you’re interested in this technology and want to be part of the digital identity revolution we invite you to get started with our platform today. Together we can build a more secure, efficient and user centric identity ecosystem that empowers individuals and transforms industries.
