Core Principles of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is not just a technological solution; it's a movement guided by a set of principles designed to empower individuals and reshape how digital identity works. These principles, largely based on foundational work by Christopher Allen, ensure that SSI systems are built with user rights, control, and privacy at their core.
The Guiding Principles
The following ten principles underpin Self-Sovereign Identity:
- Existence: Users must have an independent existence. Their identity is their own and does not depend on any single institution for its validity.
- Control: Users must control their identities. They should have ultimate authority over their digital identity and how it is used.
- Access: Users must have access to their own data. They should be able to easily retrieve all their identity data and associated claims.
- Transparency: Systems involved in identity management must be transparent. Users should understand how their information is being managed and used.
- Persistence: Identities must be long-lived. Users should be able to rely on their digital identity for as long as they wish.
- Portability: Information must be transportable. Users should move their identity data across platforms without vendor lock-in.
- Interoperability: Identities should be widely usable across different networks and jurisdictions, similar to how autonomous agents operate across multiple trading platforms.
- Consent: Users must consent to the use of their identity and data. Any sharing must be based on explicit and informed consent.
- Minimization: Users should only reveal the minimum information necessary for a specific interaction through selective disclosure.
- Protection: User rights must be protected through privacy safeguards, security measures, and proper recourse mechanisms.
These principles collectively create an identity ecosystem that is equitable, secure, and respectful of individual autonomy.