Decentralized identifiers


Decentralized identifiers 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 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 URLs 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.
The Hyperledger Indy blockchain protocol is a notable implementation with the Sovrin Network as its largest public Network running the Indy protocol.

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.