Since 2018, all Google Pixel phones have included a Titan M chip. This is what’s known as the Secure Element (SE). Separated from your phone’s processor, it does things like storing encryption keys and validates the operating system. And now Google sees Titan M and other Safe Elements as it as the key to bringing features like digital passports and identity cards to Android phones.
To that end, the company formed the Android Ready SE Alliance (via 9to5Google), a coalition formed by SE vendors and device manufacturers that aims to accelerate the adoption of these features on Android. They will work together to create a collection of open-source, ready-to-use applets for SE chips. The group has already launched its first applet with StrongBox, a tool for storing cryptographic keys.
“We believe that this SE offers the best way to introduce these new consumer use cases on Android,” said the company. In the immediate future, the alliance will focus on use cases such as digital car keys and mobile driver’s licenses. At that first point, Google is trying to reach Apple. One day, technology can allow things like electronic passports. Google does not mention digital vaccine passports, but this is another potential use case for the technology.
And while phones and tablets are an obvious starting point, this is only the beginning. As Google points out, StrongBox is also available on WearOS, Android Auto and Android TV devices. Meanwhile, the company says it already has “several” Android manufacturers adopting Android Ready SE on their devices.