A collaborative project developed by identity verification firm Privado ID and age estimation specialist Privately has been selected for inclusion in the third cohort of the European Blockchain Sandbox dialogues. The initiative will center around age verification using self-sovereign identity (SSI), aiming to introduce a privacy-focused solution that minimizes personal data exposure while ensuring compliance with European regulatory standards.

The core functionality of the project lies in delivering age assurance without requiring users to disclose sensitive personal details such as birthdates or government-issued identification numbers. To accomplish this, the system integrates zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) with verifiable credentials (VCs), allowing users to prove age eligibility without revealing any additional information. This privacy-first approach seeks to balance user protection with the need for secure and reliable verification processes.

Privado ID intends to use the regulatory sandbox environment to test the capabilities of its recently introduced Billions framework. Launched in February, this protocol offers an alternative to existing proof-of-personhood (PoP) solutions such as World ID and Civic. The framework provides a method for users to demonstrate their unique human identity in a digital setting, forming a key part of broader decentralized identity ecosystems.

The European Blockchain Sandbox, a European Commission-led initiative, is designed to facilitate dialogue between innovators and regulators around emerging use cases involving Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT). Spanning a three-year period from 2023 to 2026, the sandbox program supports 20 projects annually, encompassing both private initiatives and public sector use cases integrated with the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI).

Among the recently announced selections for the program, one project is directly linked to a public entity use case within the EBSI framework, while the remaining 19 involve diverse applications across different industries and regulatory domains.

The partnership between Privado ID and Privately was first made public in November of the previous year, when the companies unveiled their age assurance tool. The proposed solution is particularly relevant for digital platforms that host age-restricted content or services, including those related to online gaming, alcohol sales, and adult entertainment. According to the companies, users will be able to generate proof of age using a secure identity wallet supported by on-device AI, ensuring that personal data remains confined to the user’s device throughout the process.

In addition to bolstering privacy protections, the system is engineered to limit data sharing and promote interoperability across European borders. This pan-European approach is expected to streamline access for users throughout the EU while supporting regulatory harmonization.

The use case also places a strong emphasis on alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It targets key compliance areas such as data minimization, informed user consent, and secure handling of personal information. Moreover, the project is built to complement the European Digital Identity Framework, with plans to obtain regulatory feedback on implementing decentralized identifiers to facilitate cross-border services.

By leveraging the European Blockchain Sandbox, Privado ID and Privately aim to validate their age assurance solution under real-world conditions while engaging with regulators to ensure adherence to evolving digital identity standards. The project is poised to play a role in shaping how identity and age verification are handled in a decentralized and privacy-conscious Web3 environment.