TL;DR
- The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) has launched Verified Credentials (VCs) to improve the privacy and control of personal data in the web environment3.
- Internet Identity offers a decentralized identity solution that uses passwordless authentication using biometrics and secure hardware.
- VCs allow verification of specific identity attributes without revealing unnecessary personal information.
The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) has taken a significant step towards improving privacy and control of personal data in the web3 space with the launch of its Verified Credentials (VCs).
These credentials are cryptographically secure digital representations of personal data such as qualifications and achievements, designed to be shared securely and privately.
Big Identity Milestone Alert 👏
Verifiable Credentials are now LIVE on #ICP 🙌 giving users control of their digital identity. An identity solution that is
🔒 Privacy-preserving
🚫 Walletless
🌐 Versatile solution across Web2 and Web3🔗 https://t.co/pHrSP686xx pic.twitter.com/ienMdLGTSH
— DFINITY (@dfinity) June 18, 2024
This advancement is part of its Internet Identity platform, a decentralized identity solution that operates end-to-end on the Internet Computer Protocol blockchain.
Verified Credentials (VCs) allow users to share specific information, such as their age or the fact that they have completed a KYC, without needing to reveal additional data such as their name or date of birth.
This functionality is made possible through integration with Internet Identity, which uses WebAuthn technology to authenticate via secure hardware and biometric keys, eliminating the need for passwords or seed phrases.
One of the initial applications of VCs is the Proof of Unique Humanity (PoUH), implemented by the decentralized messaging application OpenChat.
PoUH ensures that each human user can only have one account, using biometric data to prevent the creation of multiple accounts and the proliferation of bots.
This functionality is crucial to combating illicit behavior on traditional and web3 social media platforms.
The Internet Identity system ensures that each interaction with a dapp (decentralized application) is performed under a unique identity derived for that dapp, protecting the user from unwanted tracking and ensuring their privacy.
Additionally, developers can easily integrate these solutions into their applications thanks to the APIs and SDKs provided by Internet Computer Protocol, making it easy to create experiences that respect user privacy without the need to store sensitive personal information.
Benefits and Future Applications of Internet Computer Protocol
The launch of Verified Credentials opens up new possibilities in the adoption of decentralized applications.
Users can access hundreds of next-generation dapps without the need to create usernames and passwords, using only the browser on their mobile device or laptop.
Authentication and session management is done securely through hardware keys and WebAuthn, offering a fluid and secure experience.
Additionally, Internet Identity allows users to control their identity and personal data by issuing reusable credentials without resorting to global identifiers, avoiding privacy issues common in offline wallet solutions.
This is especially useful in cases such as age verification, academic credentials, and employment proofing, where privacy and accuracy are crucial.
For developers, the platform offers a comprehensive set of tools, including documentation, open source, and SDKs, making it easy to build dapps that can leverage Verified Credentials and provide secure and private access to users.
This ability to issue and consume credentials efficiently and privately is an important step toward creating a more secure and trusted web3.
With a focus on privacy and security, Internet Identity and Verified Credentials represent a significant advancement in how users interact with decentralized applications, ensuring that their personal data remains under their control and protected from external threats.
This innovation not only benefits end users, but also drives developers to create more secure and private applications in the web3 ecosystem.
