Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)
Web3 / web3
Self-sovereign identity is a digital identity model where individuals own, control, and manage their own credentials and personal data without depending on centralized authorities, government agencies, or corporate platforms. In SSI systems, users hold cryptographic keys to their identity data stored on decentralized networks, selectively sharing verified credentials with service providers while maintaining privacy. This approach eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, government agencies, or identity verification companies to validate identity information. Users can prove attributes about themselves without revealing unnecessary personal information, enabling greater privacy, portability, and autonomy across digital services and jurisdictions. Example: The Sovrin Network implements SSI principles by allowing individuals to create and control verifiable credentials on a blockchain, enabling them to prove identity attributes to employers, financial institutions, or governments without relying on centralized identity providers. Why it matters for Web3: SSI empowers individuals with complete identity ownership and privacy control, reducing dependence on government and corporate intermediaries while enabling secure, portable digital identity across decentralized applications and services.
Explore the full Web3 Glossary — 2,062+ expert-curated definitions. Need guidance? Talk to our consultants.