Dezentrale Identifikatoren (DIDs)

Die nächste PID-Evolution: selbstsouverän, datenschutzfreundlich, dezentral

Abstract

This paper discusses the latest W3C standard for decentralized identifiers (DIDs) with respect to research data management. It is shown that due to their centralization, persistent identifier systems (PIDs) currently used in scientific publishing, such as Handle, DOI, ORCID, and ROR, involve fundamental problems with regard to data security, data privacy and data integrity. This is contrasted with DIDs as a possible solution, a new form of globally unique identifiers that can be generated by any individual or organization and operated on any platform deemed trustworthy. Blockchains or other distributed ledger technologies can act as verifiable data registries, but direct peer-to-peer connections, methods built on existing Internet protocols, or static DIDs are also possible. In addition to the scheme, the technical specification in terms of the data model and the usage of DIDs are explained. The differences in comparison to centralized PID systems are outlined as well. Finally, the connection to the underlying new paradigm of a decentralized identity, called Self-Sovereign Identity, is shown. SSI represents an entire ecosystem in which entities form a cryptographically secured trust network based on DIDs and digital proofs of identity to exchange identity-related data in a decentralized, tamper-proof, and privacy-preserving manner. The author concludes by presenting five requirements derived from the discussion related to a state-of-the-art approach to the implementation of persistent identifiers.