As of May 27, 2025, the digital realm is on the cusp of a significant transformation, thanks to a technology that promises to revolutionize privacy: Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). Imagine being able to confirm that you’re over 18 without ever revealing your birthdate, name, or any other personal tidbit. That’s exactly what ZKPs offer, and as debates rage about how to protect minors online without infringing on privacy, this could be a game-changer.
The Age Verification Conundrum
In recent years, countries like Australia, Florida, and China have scrambled to restrict minors’ access to adult content. In the U.S., Louisiana enacted a law requiring users to upload an ID to view certain content, sparking a legal battle over privacy rights that ended on procedural grounds. This clash underscores a persistent issue: how to strike the right balance between protecting youth and preserving privacy.
Traditional methods of age verification are often flawed or intrusive. Self-declaration? Too easy to fake. Uploading IDs? Risky business—think data breaches and identity theft. Biometric checks, while convenient, bring their own ethical and security dilemmas. They’re not foolproof and, unlike a password, your fingerprint can’t be changed if compromised.
ZKPs: A Glimpse into the Future
Enter Zero-Knowledge Proofs. This cryptographic marvel allows users to prove they meet certain criteria, like age, without divulging any other information. A trusted entity verifies the age, then creates a cryptographic proof that websites can check. No need for platforms like Google or Meta to hoard sensitive data, meaning fewer opportunities for breaches. As explored in our recent coverage of Google’s integration of blockchain tech into its wallet, this approach is gaining traction among tech giants.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. Implementing ZKPs can be a Herculean task, fraught with technical challenges and regulatory hurdles. The concept of “don’t trust, verify” is mathematically sound but might leave policymakers jittery. They’re accustomed to visible ID checks, not cryptographic proofs.
Moreover, situations requiring data disclosure to authorities—like financial crime investigations—pose a dilemma for ZKPs. They’re designed to ensure platforms don’t hold data in the first place, making such disclosures tricky. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of Coinbase’s involvement in a Supreme Court case.
Bridging the Gap
Despite these hurdles, tech giants are taking notice. Google’s recent decision to incorporate ZKPs for age verification marks a pivotal moment, indicating a shift towards privacy-first solutions. However, a broader adoption requires overcoming scalability issues. ZKPs are computationally demanding, but innovations like the Noir programming language are paving the way for smoother implementations.
Crypto-native wallets hold promise, offering interoperability and composability. Imagine using a single proof to access myriad services across the web without repeatedly sharing credentials. This could render centralized solutions obsolete.
Embracing these decentralized, crypto-native systems could redefine online identity. Users would gain control over what they divulge and to whom, in stark contrast to today’s surveillance-heavy landscape.
Looking Ahead
ZKPs are poised to flip the script on online identity and age verification. They offer a tantalizing promise of protecting user privacy, helping platforms adhere to regulations, and keeping minors at bay—all without creating new data honeypots. While Google’s foray into ZKPs signals growing mainstream momentum, the true potential lies in decentralized systems that empower users.
As we navigate an era where privacy is both a right and a battleground, ZKPs might just offer the path forward—one that’s secure, private, and future-ready. Yet, questions linger about scalability and regulatory acceptance. Can this trend sustain its momentum? Only time will tell, but for now, ZKPs present a beacon of hope in the quest for digital privacy.
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This article is based on: ZKPs can prove I'm old enough without telling you my age
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
