What is SSI?
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is a concept where an individual has full control and ownership over their digital identity data and personal information. Unlike traditional systems (such as government registries or social networks), in SSI, you decide who, when, and to what of your data will have access.
Simple explanation: Currently, we use our Google/Facebook account to log in to dozens of sites, effectively handing over control of our data to these giants. SSI shifts this responsibility and ownership back to you. Instead of a password, you use a unique, immutable, and cryptographically secure identifier (DID) that is stored on the blockchain.
How does it work? SSI relies on Decentralized Identifiers (DID) and Verified Credentials (VC):
DID: This is your unique identifier, registered in a public registry (blockchain).
VC: These are digital, cryptographically signed documents (diplomas, certificates, attestations) issued by a trusted entity (university, bank). You store VC in your digital wallet and can share them selectively.
Key benefits:
Control: You share only the necessary information (for example, "I am over 18 years old," without disclosing the date of birth).
Security: Data is protected by cryptography, and you are not dependent on the compromise of a single central database.
Versatility: Your identity works across different services and countries without the need to register again.
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