W3C-DECENTRALIZED-ID

W3C DID 1.0 Decentralized Identifiers SSI 2022.

Definition

DID 1.0 structure: (1) DID URL: URI format 'did:<method>:<method-specific-identifier>', examples did:web:example.com (uses HTTPS DNS), did:key:z6MkpTHR8VNsBxYAAWHut2Geadd9jSwuBV8xRoAnwWsdvktH (uses public key directly), did:ion:EiClkZMDxPKqC9c-umQfTkR8vvZ9JPhl_xLDI9Nfk38w5w (uses Bitcoin/IPFS Microsoft ION). (2) DID Document: JSON-LD document associated with DID, contains public keys + service endpoints + cryptographic material, accessible via 'resolution' DID method specific. (3) DID Methods: ~100+ DID methods registered W3C DID Method Registry, each specifies (a) how DID URL constructed, (b) how DID Document anchored (blockchain Ethereum + Bitcoin + Hyperledger Indy + web HTTPS + IPFS + etc.), (c) operations Create + Read + Update + Deactivate. (4) Verifiable Credentials integration: DIDs serve as Issuer + Holder + Verifier identifiers in VC ecosystem. (5) Self-Sovereign Identity SSI: DIDs + VCs enable users control own identity vs centralized IdPs. Adoption emerging 2023+: EU EUDI Wallet eIDAS 2.0 supports DIDs + VCs, Microsoft Entra Verified ID, Dock Labs, Veramo, Tractive Labs, ID Tech.

Origin

W3C DID Working Group founded 2019 ; DID 1.0 W3C Recommendation 19 July 2022 ; DID 2.0 Working Group active 2024+ enhancements.

Example in context

EU EUDI Wallet (European Digital Identity Wallet, eIDAS 2.0 Regulation 2024) supports DIDs: citizens have DIDs anchored on EU government nodes + national PKIs, store Verifiable Credentials (driver's license + diploma + medical insurance) in wallet, present selective disclosures to verifiers (KYC bank, age verification online) via cryptographic proofs without sharing all data.

Related terms

• OASIS SAML 2.0 — centralized predecessor.