Self-sovereign identity (SSI) is the concept of individuals taking control of their personal data and identity information. Self-sovereignty means that individuals have complete control over the data they share and how it is used. The term “self-sovereignty” implies that the user has the authority and responsibility of determining who, what, and when personal information is shared.

Under the self-sovereign identity model, individuals create and manage their own digital identity on their personal device(s). Traditional identities are managed by governments, companies, or other entities that control the data related to identity. With the SSI model, each individual is responsible for governing, preserving, and protecting their own identity.

At the technical level, self-sovereign identity is a system of cryptographically-secured protocols that establish a secure, digital identity for each person online. These protocols allow individuals to selectively share only the information necessary for each situation, eliminating the need for cumbersome identity documents like passports or driver’s licenses. It also enables individuals to store their identity data safely, so that others cannot access it without permission.

SSI is centered around the concept of digital wallets. A digital wallet is a digital container for securely storing, sending, and receiving digital assets and information related to identity. It is similar to a physical wallet, which holds cash and cards. Each digital wallet has its own secure identity, and its contents are only accessible by the individual wallet owner.

The core components of self-sovereign identity include:

• Identity verification: Processes used to identify and authenticate users. This typically involves the use of secure cryptographic techniques, such as digital signatures, to verify that the user is who they say they are.

• Digital identity attributes: Data elements associated with a user’s identity that are used to verify their existence and identity. These typically include name, address, date of birth, and other personal information.

• Personal data storage: A secure digital container for storing the user’s identity information. This typically includes a digital wallet.

• Decentralized identity management: A system for securely sharing and receiving digital identity credentials and personal data across multiple parties. This typically involves the use of blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems.

• Identity security: A set of measures taken to ensure that user data is safe from malicious actors. This typically involves using secure encryption, authentication, and access control methods.

Self-sovereign identity provides the tools necessary for individuals to take control of their personal data and identity information. It gives users the ability to securely store and share their identity credentials and other data, while eliminating the need for cumbersome identity documents like passports or driver’s licenses. It also enables individuals to control who has access to their data and how it is used. By allowing users to govern and protect their own personal data, self-sovereign identity gives people greater control over their digital identities and personal data.

References:

1.Ganal, M. et al. (2020, June). Self-Sovereign Identity: A Guide for Understanding SSI. Decentralized Identity Foundation. https://identity.foundation/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/SSI_OverviewWhitePaper_FINAL_03202020.pdf

1. Malani, D. (2020, June). What is Self-Sovereign Identity? SSI Basics for Businesses. Auth0. https://auth0.com/blog/what-is-self-sovereign-identity-basics-for-businesses/