Proposal for Integrating Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) into the Solid Specification

[outlaw-dame]

I’m reaching out to propose an enhancement to the Solid specification that I believe could significantly advance our collective goal of promoting user sovereignty and data interoperability within the web: the integration of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs).

Why DIDs?

DIDs are a new type of identifier that enables verifiable, self-sovereign identity on the internet, without the need for central registries. DIDs are designed to be entirely under the control of the DID subject, thereby aligning perfectly with Solid’s principles.

Pros of Integrating DIDs into Solid:

1.  Enhanced Decentralization: By leveraging DIDs, Solid can further its commitment to decentralization, reducing dependence on centralized identity providers or specific Solid servers.
2.  Increased Interoperability: DIDs are designed to be interoperable across different blockchains and networks, which could greatly enhance the interoperability of Solid Pods with other decentralized systems.
3.  Improved Security and Privacy: DIDs use cryptographic verification methods that can enhance the security and privacy of Solid applications, by enabling more secure authentication and data access protocols.
4.  Flexibility and Choice for Users: Integrating DIDs would offer users more options in how they manage and present their identity across the web, empowering them with even greater control over their digital selves.

Cons and Challenges:

1.  Integration Complexity: Incorporating DIDs into Solid may introduce complexity, requiring adaptations in the Solid architecture and potentially raising the barrier to entry for new developers and users.
2.  Standardization and Adoption: Achieving consensus on the specific DID methods to support and ensuring widespread adoption within the Solid ecosystem could present challenges.

Proposed Next Steps:

1.  Feasibility Study: Conduct an in-depth analysis to explore the technical and practical implications of integrating DIDs with Solid.
2.  Community Engagement: Engage with the Solid and broader decentralized identity communities to gather feedback and build consensus around the proposed integration.
3.  Pilot Implementation: Develop a pilot to demonstrate the practicality and benefits of using DIDs within the Solid ecosystem, possibly starting with a specific use case or application.

[TallTed]

I suggest un-code-blocking your numbered points, for ease of consumption.

[outlaw-dame]

Will do, thanks for the feedback

[csarven]

Duplicate of https://github.com/solid/specification/issues/217 ? If there is something in particular, could we add to that thread and close this?

[outlaw-dame]

This can be closed