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Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are a type of globally unique identifier that enables an entity to be identified in a manner that is verifiable, persistent (as long as the DID controller desires), and does not require the use of a centralized registry.[1] DIDs enable a new model of decentralized digital identity that is often referred to as a self-sovereign identity.[2] They are an important component of decentralized web applications.
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A decentralized identifier resolves (points) to a DID document, a set of data describing the DID subject, including mechanisms, such as cryptographic public keys, that the DID subject or a DID delegate can use to authenticate itself and prove its association with the DID.[1]
Just as there are many different types of URIs, all of which conform to the URI standard, there are many different types of DID methods, all of which must conform to the DID standard.[1] Each DID method specification must define:
- The name of the DID method (which must appear between the first and second colon, e.g., did:example:).
- The structure of the unique identifier that must follow the second colon.
- The technical specifications for how a DID resolver can apply the CRUD operations to create, read, update, and deactivate a DID document using that method.
The W3C DID Working Group maintains a registry of DID methods.[3]
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A DID identifies any subject (e.g., a person, organization, thing, data model, abstract entity, etc.) that the controller of the DID decides that it identifies. DIDs 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 URIs that associate a DID subject with a DID document.[4] Each DID document can express cryptographic material, verification methods, and service endpoints to enable trusted interactions associated with the DID subject. A DID document might contain additional semantics about the subject that it identifies. A DID document might also contain the DID subject itself (e.g. a data model).[5][1]
National efforts include the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet as a part of eIDAS 2.0 in the European Union,[6] and China Real-Name Decentralized Identifier System (China RealDID) under China's Ministry of Public Security.[7] The AT Protocol and applications powered by the protocol such as Bluesky use DIDs for their identity system in order to give users full control over their identity, including where their data is stored. The protocol uses its own DID method, did:plc.
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The W3C DID Working Group[8] developed a specification for decentralized identifiers to standardize the core architecture, data model, and representation of DIDs.
The W3C approved the DID 1.0 specification as a W3C Recommendation on July 19, 2022.[1]
The Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF) published a Dynamic Traveler Profile Generation Specification in June 2023, for use cases in the travel industry. [9]
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