Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers (DID) Explained
A practical guide that demystifies Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers (DID), covering architecture, privacy, revocation, and real‑world use cases.
When talking about blockchain identity, a digital representation of a person, organization, or device that lives on a blockchain and uses cryptographic proof to verify ownership and actions. Also known as crypto identity, it lets users interact with decentralized apps without handing over personal data to a central authority. Litentry, a cross‑chain identity protocol that aggregates on‑chain reputation and off‑chain credentials is a concrete example, showing how a single token can link multiple wallets and attestations. Another key piece is the decentralized identifier (DID), a standard format (did:*) that enables self‑sovereign identity without a trusted third party. Together, these concepts form the backbone of the emerging identity layer on blockchains.
Understanding blockchain identity means looking at its main attributes: cryptographic keys, on‑chain records, and interoperable standards. The technology requires robust key management – you own the private key, you control the identity. It also demands interoperable standards like DIDs, which allow identities to move across networks, enabling the cross‑chain identity, the ability to prove the same identity on different blockchains such as Polkadot, Ethereum, and Solana. Meanwhile, crypto identity, the broader notion that combines wallet addresses, token holdings, and reputation scores influences regulatory compliance, because KYC/AML checks can now reference on‑chain activity instead of traditional documents. In practice, a user’s blockchain identity can unlock services like airdrops, lending, or decentralized finance (DeFi) rewards while preserving privacy.
The articles gathered under the "blockchain identity" tag showcase this ecosystem in action. You’ll find a deep dive into Litentry’s token utility, a guide on how Bybit’s geofencing respects regional identity rules, and an explanation of how automatic crypto‑tax reporting ties identity data across borders. There are also pieces on how countries such as Iran leverage Bitcoin mining to sidestep sanctions, showing the geopolitical side of digital identities. Together, these posts give you a practical toolkit: from setting up a self‑sovereign DID to navigating KYC‑friendly exchanges and understanding the legal landscape. Ready to explore how blockchain identity reshapes trust, security, and access? Dive into the collection below for step‑by‑step guides, expert analysis, and real‑world examples.
A practical guide that demystifies Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers (DID), covering architecture, privacy, revocation, and real‑world use cases.