Expanding Interoperability: Android Adopts OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI for Secure Sharing of Digital Credentials
As digital identity increasingly becomes integral to contemporary life, Android is making significant progress in facilitating the secure and interoperable sharing of digital credentials. Google has revealed that Android now includes native support for OpenID4VP (OpenID for Verifiable Presentations) and OpenID4VCI (OpenID for Verifiable Credential Issuance), two open standards that empower users to store, display, and manage digital credentials across applications and services while enhancing security and privacy.
What Are OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI?
OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI are components of a wider effort to standardize digital identity verification and credential sharing. These protocols are created to enable users to:
– OpenID4VCI: Securely obtain and store digital credentials (e.g., a digital driver’s license or educational diploma).
– OpenID4VP: Present those credentials to applications or services in a verifiable and privacy-respecting manner.
By incorporating these protocols into Android’s Credential Manager API, Google facilitates smooth interoperability between digital wallets and third-party applications requiring identity validation.
How It Works on Android
Android’s Credential Manager now features a DigitalCredential API that adheres to these OpenID standards. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. A verifier (like a banking or travel application) submits an OpenID4VP request to the Android system.
2. The system prompts the user to choose a credential from a list of available digital credentials stored in compatible applications like Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet.
3. After selection, Android forwards the request to the designated wallet app, which may conduct further checks prior to releasing the credential.
4. The credential is then shared securely with the requesting app or service.
This setup guarantees that users keep authority over their data. They decide which credential to share and with whom, without needing to navigate multiple applications.
Use Cases for Digital Credentials
The adoption of OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI paves the way for a broad spectrum of practical applications. Digital credentials can encompass:
– Government-issued identification (driver’s licenses, passports)
– Academic certificates
– Medical records and insurance documents
– Work permits and professional credentials
Google has already initiated the rollout of support for digital IDs in the U.K. through Google Wallet, and the company has disclosed plans to broaden this capability to additional regions and scenarios.
Soon, users will be equipped to utilize digital credentials for:
– Recovering Amazon accounts
– Accessing health services through CVS and MyChart by Epic
– Verifying identity on platforms like Uber and Bumble
Secure and Private by Design
A major advantage of Android’s implementation is its emphasis on security and privacy. Digital credentials are cryptographically verifiable, making them resistant to tampering or forgery. Furthermore, Android ensures secure sharing between devices utilizing CTAP (Client To Authenticator Protocol), safeguarding the transmission of credentials.
Crucially, users do not have to concern themselves with which application issued the credential. The system is designed to be independent of apps, allowing users to store credentials in any compatible digital wallet and utilize them across numerous services.
Expanding the Ecosystem
Alongside Google Wallet, other applications such as Samsung Wallet and 1Password are also integrating OpenID standards through Android’s Credential Manager API. This expanding ecosystem guarantees that users have the flexibility to choose where to keep and manage their digital credentials.
Looking Ahead
As Android continues to broaden its support for digital identity, the inclusion of OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI signifies an important advancement. By adopting open standards, Android promotes a more secure, user-centric approach to digital identity—one that empowers users to manage their data while facilitating seamless interactions across applications and services.
With an increasing number of developers and service providers likely to embrace these standards, the future of digital credentials on Android appears bright. Whether it’s accessing government services, checking in for flights, or verifying profiles on dating applications, Android is streamlining the process to prove one’s identity—making it safer and more straightforward than ever.
