Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)

What is Self-Sovereign Identity?

Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is an approach to digital identity that gives individuals full control over their personal information. It is often associated with decentralized identity, as it leverages blockchain technology and cryptography to achieve its aims.

How Does It Work?

SSI leverages the principles of decentralized identity, but adds an extra layer of user control:

DID (Decentralized Identifier): As with decentralized identity, each user gets a unique DID, which points to a DID Document containing more detailed information.

DID Document: Contains the public keys, authentication protocols, and service endpoints required for interactions.

Verifiable Credentials: These are digital attestations about a DID subject, made by a third party. They can be verified by anyone using the issuer's public keys.

Wallets: SSI wallets store DIDs and verifiable credentials in a secure and privacy-preserving way, giving individuals complete control over their identities and associated data.

Principles of Self-Sovereign Identity

The concept of SSI is guided by a set of principles, known as the Ten Principles of Self-Sovereign Identity proposed by Christopher Allen. They include control, access, transparency, persistence, portability, interoperability, consent, minimalization, protection, and availability.

Why is Self-Sovereign Identity Important?

User Control and Consent: SSI allows individuals to control who can access their personal information and for what purpose.

Privacy and Security: SSI ensures data is secure and privacy is maintained, as personal data is stored on the user's device and not on a central server.

Interoperability: SSIs can be used across different domains, platforms, and applications, promoting a seamless user experience.

Inclusion: SSI can provide identity to those who traditionally lack access to a government-issued ID.

Self-Sovereign Identity Use Cases

SSI can be applied in numerous contexts, including:

Digital Identity Verification: For online services, banking, healthcare, voting, and more.

Access Management: For IoT devices, digital platforms, and physical access points.

Data Ownership and Privacy: Allowing individuals to control their personal data and digital footprints.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Facilitating the creation of financial services that are open to anyone and do not rely on a central authority.

Conclusion

Self-Sovereign Identity represents a significant evolution in digital identity management. By placing the individual at the center of the process, SSI offers greater security, privacy, and control over personal data. As digital interactions continue to proliferate, the need for solutions like SSI becomes increasingly clear.

Watchouts:

Crypto companies using SSI terminology to describe their products should be treated with caution.
State governments pushing digital identity schemes that are designed by private companies such as banks.