The IOTA Foundation, a non-profit focused on distributed ledger technology (DLT), has announced a collaboration with the LINKS Foundation to bring enhanced privacy features to its IOTA Identity framework (IOTA ID). This integration centers around zero-knowledge credentials, a cryptographic technique allowing users to prove they possess certain attributes without revealing the underlying data.
What is IOTA Identity?
IOTA Identity is a digital identity framework built on the IOTA Tangle, the foundation’s DLT platform. It aims to empower users with control over their digital identities, adhering to the principles of self-sovereign identity (SSI). SSI grants individuals ownership of their data and the ability to decide how and with whom it’s shared.
Selective Disclosure Takes Center Stage
The partnership with the LINKS Foundation introduces selective disclosure, a key concept in SSI. This allows users to reveal specific details from a credential while keeping the rest hidden. For instance, one could share their date of birth to access an age-restricted website without disclosing their entire address or national ID number.
Two Flavors of Selective Disclosure
IOTA Identity offers two methods for selective disclosure: Selective Disclosure JSON Web Token (SD-JWT) and BBS+-based Selective Disclosure.
- SD-JWT: Here, the issuer of a credential predetermines which fields can be disclosed. The user then reveals these concealed values to verifiers as needed. This method aligns with upcoming European regulations and avoids complex cryptography.
- BBS+ Selective Disclosure: This method leverages zero-knowledge proofs, a cryptographic technique allowing users to prove they possess certain information without revealing the information itself. This offers greater flexibility as users can construct any combination of disclosures on the fly. The IOTA Foundation highlights this as an experimental feature being actively developed.
Looking Ahead on IOTA ID
The IOTA Foundation emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and control. They plan to collaborate further with the LINKS Foundation to refine zero-knowledge credential capabilities and explore extensions that maximize user autonomy. Additionally, they’ll keep pace with advancements in the SD-JWT standard.
This integration with the LINKS Foundation marks a significant step for IOTA Identity. By offering selective disclosure through zero-knowledge credentials, IOTA Identity empowers users with greater control over their digital identities, paving the way for a more private and user-centric online experience.
