In today's digital world, identity is everything. From how we access information online to how we prove who we are in real life, digital identity shapes practically every aspect of our technological experiences. However, traditional centralised identification systems have flaws like security breaches, privacy concerns, and lack of user control. This is where decentralised digital identities come in - introducing the possibility of a new paradigm for identity.
Decentralised Identifiers, or DIDs, are emerging as a game-changing innovation in the identity space. DIDs are digital identities stored on a blockchain or distributed ledger, giving each person, organisation, or thing complete ownership of their identity and data. No single entity controls a DID - it is cryptographically secured, private, and portable. Proponents argue that DIDs have the potential to revolutionise digital identity and transform how businesses verify, onboard, and service customers in the digital economy.
So, how are businesses beginning to leverage DIDs? The applications are diverse and expanding rapidly. Here are some key ways companies across industries are implementing DID-based identity solutions:
Streamlined Onboarding and KYC
One of the most promising near-term uses of DIDs is streamlining cumbersome customer onboarding and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. Banks and financial institutions have experimented with using DIDs for immediate identity verification based on verified claims embedded into a customer’s DID. Rather than filling out lengthy application forms, users can swiftly prove verified attributes like their name, age, and address to open an account or access services. This creates a smooth and fast onboarding experience.
Supply Chain Tracking
DIDs are also beginning to be integrated into supply chain infrastructure. Shippers and manufacturers can assign unique DIDs to products, parts, and vehicles, which can be cryptographically authenticated at each stage, from production to delivery. This enhances transparency, prevents counterfeiting, and enables consumers to validate where a product came from - a significant benefit for brands dealing with steep costs from knockoffs.
Access and Authorisation
Many corporates are leveraging DIDs for access control and identity authorisation. Employees can use DIDs as digital badges to move through secure facilities and doors equipped with biometric scanners. IT teams are also harnessing DIDs to manage employee access to databases, networks, and other systems securely. As remote work becomes ubiquitous, DID-based authorisation provides the security and auditability needed for the distributed workplace.
Loyalty and Rewards
Customer loyalty programs are undergoing an evolution driven by DIDs. Imagine going to a hotel, concert, airport lounge, or any other business and earning loyalty points, rewards, or other benefits simply by having your DID scanned. This streamlines cumbersome sign-ups and cards while allowing personalised promotions based on your verified identity. DIDs enable flexible loyalty models where your identity, purchasing history, and preferences can travel with you across diverse services.
The Path Ahead
As promising as these capabilities are, DID adoption still faces challenges. For one, standards need to solidify and become interoperable so DIDs from different providers can work together effortlessly. Additionally, user education and friendly interfaces must improve for mainstream adoption—appropriate regulations to protect user privacy and rights while enabling innovation need to emerge.
But the momentum is speeding up. Big tech firms like Microsoft and individual DID-providing start-ups are developing the ecosystem. As mobile devices with built-in security transform into DID "wallets", consumers will gravitate towards the convenience and control over personal data that DIDs provide. Just as websites evolved from Web 1.0 to richer Web 2.0 experiences, digital identity is poised to develop into an ownership-based model. For businesses, embracing this shift can enhance security, trust, and customer experience - critical pillars for success in the digital future.