Publication: Decentralized Identifier (DID)
Date
2023-07-06
ISSN
Published
2023-07-06
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
An identification card that proves a
person’s identity is essential in modern society. It allows
individuals to access various online and in-person public
services by verifying their identity. Through an identity
(ID) card, government services such as civil complaints,
taxation, health care, insurance, and pension can be
smoothly provided. In some cases, the ID card may contain
additional information, such as home address or eligibility
for certain services, which can be used to verify your
identity and eligibility for certain benefits. ID cards are
crucial for accessing public - and private - services where
the individuals need to verify the information. However,
most IDs are issued and controlled by external authorities
and information is shared and revoked upon the request. A
decentralized identifier (DID) is a new type of globally
unique persistent identifier that does not require
centralized registration authorities. Repeatedly generated
and registered cryptographically, DIDs enable a new model of
decentralized digital identity, which is referred as
self-sovereign identity or decentralized identity. This
sometimes allows users to verify information rapidly without
having to contact multiple issuing parties. This 4th issue
in the Emerging Technology series briefly describes the DID
and its potential for solving development challenges,
alongside key highlights of Korea’s experience and lessons
learned in regard to the exploration and adoption of
emerging technologies.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2023. Decentralized Identifier (DID). Emerging Technologies Curation Series; No.4. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/39958 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”