What is Decentralized Identity?
An identity model where individuals control their own credentials without relying on centralized authorities, using cryptographic proofs.
Also known as: Self-Sovereign Identity, SSI
Decentralized identity puts you in control of your credentials instead of relying on Google, Facebook, or government databases.
How It Works
- Credentials are stored in a wallet on your device
- You present only the claims needed (e.g., "I'm over 18" without revealing your birthdate)
- Verifiers can check the credential's authenticity without contacting the issuer
- No central database of your identity usage
Technologies
- Verifiable Credentials (W3C): Standard format for digital credentials
- DIDs (Decentralized Identifiers): Self-owned identifiers that don't require a registry
- Zero-knowledge proofs: Prove properties without revealing underlying data
Why It Matters
Traditional identity systems create centralized targets for breaches and surveillance. Decentralized identity could provide verified identity without the privacy costs of centralized databases.
Related Terms
Identity Federation
A system that allows users to use a single identity across multiple organizations without each organization managing separate credentials.
WebAuthn
A web standard that enables passwordless authentication using hardware security keys, biometrics, or platform authenticators.
Zero-Knowledge Proof
A cryptographic method by which one party can prove to another party that they know a value, without conveying any information apart from the fact that they know the value. This allows authentication and verification without exposing sensitive data.
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