Digital identities based on the principle of self-sovereign identity

In an increasingly digital world, control over our personal data is becoming increasingly important. Traditionally, our identity data is centrally managed by governments and corporations. However, this model is fraught with risks such as data breaches and misuse of information. The solution? Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI).

What is SSI?

Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is a concept that puts control of personal data in the hands of the individual, rather than centralising it with governments or corporations. It promotes autonomy and self-governance of identity information by individuals. The goal of SSI is to empower individuals to manage and protect their identity.

Principles of SSI

SSI is based on several key principles:

1. Ownership and Control:
   Individuals own and control their identity information. They decide what information to share and with whom.
2. Transparency and Trust:
   SSI builds trust through transparent processes and open standards, allowing users to understand how their information is being used.
3. Interoperability:
   SSI systems are designed to be compatible with different platforms and services, ensuring that users can seamlessly use their identity in different contexts.
4. Privacy and security:
   Privacy and data security are top priorities. SSI uses advanced encryption techniques and decentralised structures to protect users' personal information.

How does SSI work?

SSI is not a technology per se, but a principle for handling identity data. It can be supported by various technologies and systems that implement the SSI principles:

• Digital identities:
  Users create digital identities that are securely stored and managed. These identities contain personal information that only the user can see and manage.
• Verification by trusted entities:
  Certain information in the digital identity can be verified by trusted organisations such as banks, universities or government agencies. These verifications help to confirm the authenticity of the identity.
• Secure data exchange:
  Users can securely exchange their verified identity data with third parties using cryptographically secured requests and responses, ensuring that only authorised parties can access the information.

Benefits of SSI

SSI offers several advantages over traditional identity models, including

• Security and privacy:
  Because data is managed in a decentralised manner, there is no central point vulnerable to hacking. Users retain full control over their personal data, significantly reducing the risk of data misuse.
• Self-determination and autonomy:
  Users can decide what information to share with whom, promoting empowerment and independence from central authorities.
• Efficiency and user-friendliness:
  SSI enables information to be exchanged quickly and securely without the need for multiple physical documents or copies, saving time and simplifying processes.
• Interoperability:
  SSI systems are often designed to be compatible with different platforms and services, meaning that once a digital identity is created, it can be used in many different contexts.

Applications of SSI

SSI has multiple applications, including

• Finance:
  Banks and financial institutions can use SSI principles to securely and efficiently verify customer identities in the digital domain, facilitating account opening and transactions.
• Healthcare:
  Patients can securely manage their health records digitally and grant access only to authorised medical personnel, protecting privacy and improving the quality of care.
• Education:
  Students can store their academic credentials and certificates digitally and share them securely with potential employers or other educational institutions as needed.

Conclusion

The principle of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) represents a significant advancement in the management and protection of personal information. It offers a secure, efficient and user-friendly way to control and share identity data. At a time when privacy and data security are increasingly critical, SSI offers a promising approach that meets both individual needs and the demands of modern digital societies.