Decentralized identifiers

The standard elements of a DID doc

DID explanation

Decentralized identifiers are a type of identifier that enables a verifiable, decentralized digital identity. They are an important component of decentralized web applications.

DIDs

DIDs are a type of identifier that enables a verifiable, decentralized digital identity. They are based on the Self-sovereign identity paradigm. A DID identifies any subject (e.g., a person, organization, thing, data model, abstract entity, etc.) that the controller of the DID decides that it identifies. These identifiers are designed to enable the controller of a DID to prove control over it and to be implemented independently of any centralized registry, identity provider, or certificate authority. DIDs are URIs that associate a DID subject with a DID document allowing trustable interactions associated with that subject. Each DID document can express cryptographic material, verification methods, or service endpoints, which provide a set of mechanisms enabling a DID controller to prove control of the DID. Service endpoints enable trusted interactions associated with the DID subject. A DID document might contain semantics about the subject that it identifies. A DID document might contain the DID subject itself (e.g. a data model).

Standardization efforts

The W3C DID Working Group is currently developing a standard for decentralized identifiers. It intends to standardize the core architecture, data model and representation of DIDs.

A working draft of the standard is available online.

See also

• Self-sovereign identity

External links

• https://identity.foundation/
• https://www.hyperledger.org/use/hyperledger-indy
• https://sovrin.org/
• The 10 principles of Self Sovereign Identity
• https://irma.app/