This proposal introduces a standard for decentralized identity verification (DID) on the blockchain. The standard leverages cryptographic hashes to represent identity proofs and events for transparency and traceability. By emphasizing simplicity, privacy, and user control, this proposal aims to reduce overhead for developers and users, ensuring seamless integration into decentralized applications (dApps). It offers a minimalistic solution that keeps identity structure simple and enables off-chain mechanisms for detailed identity management and verification.
Centralized identity verification methods are cumbersome, prone to data breaches, and fail to provide users control over their identity data. Existing DID solutions often introduce complexity, making adoption challenging for developers and users. This proposal seeks to address these issues by:
The following stakeholders will benefit from this proposal:
Developers creating decentralized applications that require identity verification can implement this standard to provide users with secure, decentralized identity management. The minimalistic design makes it easier to integrate into existing workflows without adding unnecessary complexity.
Platforms offering services such as decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, or social networking can integrate this standard to verify user identities without relying on centralized authorities. This reduces the risk of fraud and enhances user trust.
Companies looking to integrate blockchain-based identity solutions into their existing systems can use this standard to ensure secure and privacy-preserving identity verification. This allows for a seamless transition to decentralized technologies while maintaining user privacy and security.
Those working on cross-platform and cross-blockchain interoperability can implement this standard to enable a unified identity verification mechanism across different systems, reducing complexity and increasing user control over their identities.
This proposal stands out from other DID standards by focusing on minimalism, user control, and privacy. Unlike other solutions that encompass a wide range of identity attributes and interactions, this standard keeps the structure simple and relies on off-chain mechanisms for detailed identity management. Its simplicity fosters easier adoption, making it ideal for dApps that prioritize user-centric, secure ecosystems.
The Decentralized Identity Verification (DID) standard introduces a simple, secure, and privacy-preserving mechanism for verifying user identities on the blockchain. The key components of this standard are outlined below:
A smart contract that acts as the central authority for identity verification. The contract stores the status of identity verifications for users and ensures that verification events are triggered securely and transparently.
The verifyIdentity function allows a user to submit two verification hashes that represent off-chain proofs or attestations of identity. These hashes can be derived from external sources such as third-party verifiers, documents, or attestations.The function compares the provided hashes and updates the identity verification status accordingly.
identityHash: A cryptographic hash representing the user's identity. verificationHash: A cryptographic hash derived from the proof or attestation used to verify the identity.
The IdentityVerified event is emitted when the user's identity verification is successfully updated. This event ensures traceability and transparency, allowing dApp developers and users to track verification statuses.
The identity is a simple structure represented by a unique address (public key). Additional identity attributes, such as name or age, are optional and left to off-chain management. This minimal approach keeps the implementation lean, avoiding unnecessary complexity and encouraging broader adoption.
The design leverages cryptographic hashes to represent identity information, ensuring that sensitive data is not stored directly on the blockchain. The use of verificationHashes allows for flexible identity verification mechanisms. These hashes could be derived from various off-chain proofs, such as cryptographic challenges or attestations, depending on the implementer's needs. By leaving the interpretation of the verification hashes open, the standard enables adaptability while maintaining privacy and security. Additionally, the inclusion of events ensures transparency and traceability.
Secure Hashing: Ensure that identity and verification hashes are generated using a secure hashing algorithm to prevent collisions and ensure the integrity of the identity data. Replay Attacks: Verification hashes should incorporate nonces or timestamps to prevent replay attacks. Implementation Flexibility: Developers must ensure that hash generation and validation processes are robust and resistant to manipulation.
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