Foundations
Introduction to SSI
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) represents a paradigm shift in how we think about digital identity. Unlike traditional identity systems where a third party controls your identity data, SSI puts individuals in control of their own digital identities.
The concept emerged from the need to solve fundamental problems with current identity systems: data breaches, identity theft, lack of privacy, and the inconvenience of managing multiple credentials across different platforms.
“Self-sovereign identity is the next step beyond user-centric identity, and that means it begins at the same place: the user must be central to the administration of identity.”
At its core, SSI is about giving people the same independence and autonomy in the digital world that they have in the physical world—the ability to prove things about themselves without relying on a central authority.
What is Digital Identity?
Digital identity refers to the online representation of a person, organization, or entity. It encompasses all digital data linked to an individual—such as names, email addresses, social media profiles, and online behavior patterns—that collectively create their presence in the digital world.
Digital Identifiers
These are unique codes or information used for authentication: usernames, IP addresses, biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition), cookies, and official identification numbers.
Four Types of Authentication
Knowledge-Based
Passwords, PINs, security questions—something you know
Possession-Based
Smart cards, mobile devices, hardware tokens—something you have
Biometric-Based
Fingerprints, iris scans, facial recognition—something you are
Behavioral-Based
Typing patterns, interaction habits—how you behave
Current Challenges
Security Risks: Centralized systems store large amounts of personal data in one place, making them attractive targets for hackers. Data breaches enable identity theft and fraud.
Lack of Control: Users have limited control over personal information sharing. Organizations face regulatory compliance burdens and poor interoperability between systems.
Evolution of Digital Identity
Digital identity has evolved through four distinct phases, each bringing us closer to true self-sovereignty:
Centralized Identity
Single authorities (governments, corporations) issue and control identities. Users must trust these central entities completely.
Weakness: Single points of failure, vulnerable to large-scale breaches
Federated Identity
Multiple organizations recognize each other's identities (e.g., "Login with Google"). Improves convenience but concentrates power in large providers.
Weakness: Dependency on tech giants, third-party data sharing required
User-Centric Identity
Users can choose their identity provider and control what data is shared. However, the provider still maintains ultimate control.
Weakness: Provider can still revoke access, limited portability
Self-Sovereign Identity
Users fully control their identities using cryptographic keys. No single authority can revoke or corrupt the identity.
Benefits: User ownership, portable, privacy-preserving, censorship-resistant
The Ten Principles of SSI
Christopher Allen defined ten principles that guide the development of self-sovereign identity systems:
Existence
Users must have an independent existence beyond their digital identity.
Control
Users must control their identities and always be able to refer to, update, or hide them.
Access
Users must have access to their own data without gatekeepers.
Transparency
Systems and algorithms must be transparent and open source.
Persistence
Identities must be long-lived, preferably forever or as long as the user wishes.
Portability
Identity information must be transportable and not held by a single entity.
Interoperability
Identities should be as widely usable as possible across different systems.
Consent
Users must agree to the use of their identity data.
Minimization
Disclosure of claims must be minimized to protect privacy.
Protection
User rights must be protected through independent, censorship-resistant algorithms.
Operational Principles
Beyond the foundational SSI principles, these 9 operational guidelines shape how identity systems should behave in practice:
Data Minimization
Collect only strictly necessary information—nothing more.
Selective Disclosure
Citizens reveal only the data required per transaction.
No Phone Home
Verifiers validate credentials without contacting issuers—preserving privacy.
Self-Sovereignty
Citizens control their own keys and credentials at all times.
Open Interoperability
Adopt open standards (W3C, DIF, OIDC) to avoid vendor lock-in.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Validate claims without exposing the underlying data.
Portability
Migrate credentials freely without dependency on any single provider.
Controlled Immutability
Records are verifiable and tamper-proof, yet revocable when needed.
Auditability
Transparent processes that protect personal data while enabling oversight.
Key differentiator: The "No Phone Home" principle means verifiers can validate credentials instantly using cryptographic proofs—without ever contacting the issuer. This preserves citizen privacy (issuers don't know when or where credentials are used) and enables offline verification.
Digital Public Infrastructure
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational, shared, secure, and interoperable digital systems that enable governments, businesses, and citizens to deliver and access services efficiently and inclusively—acting as essential "digital roads" for an economy.
Think of DPI like physical roads, railways, and postal services: shared infrastructure that everyone uses to connect and exchange goods, services, and information—but DPI does it digitally for the modern era.
Core Components
Digital Identity
Systems for verifying who a person is (e.g., Aadhaar, QuarkID)
Payment Systems
Interoperable platforms for fast, reliable transactions (e.g., UPI, Pix)
Data Exchange
Secure platforms for sharing data between services with consent
Digital Signatures
Systems for secure communication and contract execution
Why DPI Matters
Shared Foundation
Common digital building blocks that multiple public and private services can build upon, reducing duplication.
Interoperability
Different systems and services communicate and work together seamlessly across borders.
Efficiency
Reduces paperwork, forms, and waiting times for citizens and businesses.
Inclusivity
Extends access to services for marginalized populations, supporting development goals.
Innovation
Fosters economic growth by enabling private sector innovation on top of public systems.
Trust
Builds confidence through transparent, secure, and verifiable digital interactions.
SovraGov as DPI: SovraGov is designed to serve as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for governments—providing the foundational identity layer upon which payments, data exchange, and digital signatures depend. By adopting open standards and ensuring interoperability, SovraGov enables nations to build sovereign, inclusive digital ecosystems. Learn more →
Digital Public Goods
Digital Public Goods (DPGs) are open-source software, open data, open AI models, open standards, and open content that adhere to privacy best practices and are designed to "do no harm." They represent a shift from expensive proprietary systems to freely available, adaptable solutions that empower nations to build their own digital ecosystems.
Key Characteristics
Open Source
Code, data, AI models, and standards freely available and modifiable
Trustworthy
Adheres to privacy laws, best practices, and designed to do no harm
Platform Independent
Works across different systems without vendor lock-in
Well-Documented
Easy to discover, understand, deploy, and build upon
DPG Examples by Sector
Healthcare
- DHIS2 (health data platform)
- Bahmni (electronic health records)
- OpenMRS (medical records)
Digital Identity
- MOSIP (modular identity platform)
- QuarkID (verifiable credentials)
- OpenCRVS (civil registration)
Financial Inclusion
- Mojaloop (payment interoperability)
- Mifos (microfinance)
- Apache Fineract (core banking)
Why DPGs Matter
Sovereignty
Countries shift from being users of foreign tech to creators of their own solutions
Cost-Effective
Eliminate licensing fees and reduce dependency on expensive proprietary software
Rapid Innovation
Build on existing solutions rather than starting from scratch—critical for urgent needs
The Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) maintains an official registry of certified DPGs, helping governments and organizations discover, evaluate, and implement trusted open-source solutions. Explore the Registry →
QuarkID — the DPG behind SovraID: The identity layer that powers Sovra's infrastructure is certified as a Digital Public Goods (DPGs) by the DPGA. This means governments can adopt verifiable credential technology with confidence: open-source, privacy-respecting, and free from vendor lock-in. View certification → Learn more about SovraID →
Core Technology
The Trust Triangle
The SSI ecosystem operates on a three-party trust model that eliminates the need for centralized identity authorities. Understanding these roles is fundamental to SSI.
Issuer
Trusted entities that create and sign credentials (governments, universities, employers, banks)
Holder
Individuals or organizations that receive, store, and present credentials from their wallet
Verifier
Service providers that request and validate credentials (employers, banks, government agencies)
How It Works
Issue: An issuer creates a credential and signs it cryptographically
Hold: The holder stores the credential in their digital wallet
Present: When needed, the holder presents the credential to a verifier
Verify: The verifier checks the cryptographic signature—no need to contact the issuer
Key Innovation: Verification doesn't require contacting the issuer. The cryptographic signature embedded in the credential is sufficient to prove authenticity, enabling privacy-preserving verification at scale.
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) are globally unique identifiers that individuals and organizations create and control independently. Unlike emails or usernames, DIDs are owned by the user and independent of any organization.
Example DID:
did:example:123456789abcdefghiStructure:
Cryptographic Key Pairs
Each DID is associated with a cryptographic key pair:
Private Key
Secret code for signing. Never shared—like a master password that proves ownership.
Public Key
Shared openly. Allows others to verify signatures without contacting issuers.
Key Properties
- •Decentralized: No central authority required to create or manage
- •Persistent: Remain valid regardless of any organization's operation
- •Verifiable: Can be authenticated using cryptographic proofs
- •Privacy-Preserving: Contain no personal data themselves
Digital Signatures
Digital signatures are cryptographic mechanisms that verify document authenticity and signer identity. They are the foundation of trust in SSI—every credential is digitally signed by its issuer.
How They Work
Signing (Private Key)
The issuer uses their private key to create a unique cryptographic stamp on the credential. This stamp is mathematically tied to the content.
Verification (Public Key)
Anyone with the public key can verify the signature is authentic and that the content hasn't been modified since signing.
Digital vs. Electronic Signatures
Electronic Signatures
Typed names, checkboxes, or scanned signatures. Indicate intent but provide no cryptographic proof of authenticity.
Digital Signatures
Cryptographic proof of identity and integrity. Any modification after signing invalidates the signature.
Applications
- •Credentials: Signed diplomas, licenses, and certificates
- •Healthcare: Signed prescriptions and medical records
- •Finance: Signed transactions and contracts
- •Government: Signed IDs and official documents
Verifiable Credentials (VCs)
Verifiable Credentials are the digital equivalent of physical credentials like passports, driver's licenses, and diplomas. They are tamper-evident, cryptographically signed documents that can be instantly verified without contacting the issuer.
Credential Lifecycle
Issuance
Trusted entity creates and digitally signs the credential
Storage
Holder stores credential in their digital wallet
Presentation
Holder presents credential (or specific attributes) to verifier
Verification
Verifier checks signature cryptographically—instant, no callbacks
Key Benefits
Instant Verification
Verify in seconds without contacting the issuer
Tamper-Evident
Any modification invalidates the signature
Privacy Control
Share only specific attributes via selective disclosure
Holder Control
Users decide when, with whom, and what to share
Digital Wallets
A digital wallet is a secure application that stores and manages digital assets—from payment cards to identity credentials. In SSI, wallets become the sovereign interface between individuals and the digital world, replacing centralized logins with user-controlled identity.
The future of digital interaction isn't "Login with Google" or "Login with Facebook"—it's "Connect your Wallet." A fundamental shift from platform-controlled identity to user-sovereign identity.
The Wallet Evolution
Physical Wallet
Pre-digital
Cash, cards, IDs in leather
Payment Wallet
2010s
Apple Pay, Google Pay—digitized payments
Crypto Wallet
2015+
MetaMask, Ledger—asset custody
Identity Wallet
Now
DIDs + VCs—sovereign identity
Wallet Comparison
| Feature | Apple/Google Wallet | Crypto Wallet | Identity Wallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Payments | Asset custody | Identity & credentials |
| Data Control | Platform-controlled | User-controlled keys | Full sovereignty |
| Selective Disclosure | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Verifiable Credentials | Limited | ❌ | ✓ Native |
| Interoperability | Ecosystem-locked | Chain-specific | W3C standards |
| Business Model | Data monetization | Transaction fees | Verification fees |
Conformant Wallet Characteristics
W3C Data Models
Supports VC Data Model and DID specifications for global interoperability
Protocol Support
OpenID4VP, SIOPv2, and DIDComm for secure credential exchange
Hardware Security
NIST-compliant cryptography with secure enclave support
Regulatory Compliance
Aligned with eIDAS 2.0, GDPR, and regional frameworks
Offline Capability
Credential verification works without network connectivity
Recovery Mechanisms
Secure backup and recovery without compromising sovereignty
SovraWallet SovraWallet is Sovra's conformant identity wallet—a non-custodial application where citizens store DIDs and verifiable credentials under their complete control. Unlike crypto wallets focused on speculation, SovraWallet serves institutional purposes: government services, education, healthcare, and verifiable identity. Learn more →
Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping without relying on a central authority. For digital identity, blockchain provides the trust infrastructure where identity and credentials can be anchored, verified, and managed in a decentralized manner—while advanced data availability modes ensure sensitive information remains private and protected.
What is Blockchain?
A blockchain is a chain of blocks, where each block contains a list of transactions. Once a block is added to the chain, it becomes extremely difficult to alter—any change would require modifying all subsequent blocks and gaining consensus from the network. This creates an append-only, tamper-evident record.
Distributed Ledger
Every participant (node) maintains a copy of the entire ledger. Changes are propagated across the network and validated by consensus, eliminating single points of failure.
Consensus Mechanisms
Rules that determine how nodes agree on the state of the ledger. Common mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), each with different security and efficiency trade-offs.
Why Blockchain for Identity?
Immutability
Once recorded, data cannot be altered or deleted—creating permanent, tamper-proof records.
Decentralization
No single entity controls the network. Trust is distributed across thousands of nodes worldwide.
Transparency
Anyone can verify the state of the network. Open auditability builds trust.
Public vs Private Blockchains
Public Blockchains
Open networks where anyone can participate, validate transactions, and read the ledger. Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum.
- • Maximum decentralization and censorship resistance
- • Transparent and auditable by anyone
- • Security through economic incentives
Private/Permissioned Blockchains
Restricted networks where participation requires authorization. Examples: Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda.
- • Controlled access and governance
- • Higher throughput potential
- • Privacy for sensitive enterprise data
Ethereum: The Programmable Blockchain
Ethereum extends Bitcoin's concept of a distributed ledger by adding programmability. While Bitcoin tracks ownership of a currency, Ethereum tracks the state of a virtual computer that anyone can program—enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Accounts & Transactions
Two account types: Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) controlled by private keys, and Contract Accounts controlled by code. Transactions are cryptographically signed instructions that modify the blockchain state.
Smart Contracts
Self-executing programs stored on the blockchain. They automatically enforce rules and execute actions when conditions are met—enabling trustless coordination.
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
The global computer that executes smart contracts. Every node runs the same code and reaches consensus on the result, ensuring deterministic execution.
Evolution of Ethereum
Ethereum has undergone significant upgrades to improve security, sustainability, and scalability:
2015 - Frontier
Genesis Launch
Ethereum goes live with Proof of Work consensus, enabling the first smart contracts.
2020 - Beacon Chain
Proof of Stake Foundation
The Beacon Chain launches, introducing Proof of Stake consensus mechanism alongside the existing PoW chain.
2022 - The Merge
Proof of Stake Transition
Ethereum transitions from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake, reducing energy consumption by ~99.95%.
2024+ - Dencun & Beyond
Scaling Era
Proto-danksharding (EIP-4844) reduces L2 costs. Future upgrades focus on full danksharding and statelessness.
Layer 2: Scaling Blockchain
Layer 2 (L2) solutions process transactions off the main chain while inheriting its security. This dramatically increases throughput and reduces costs—making blockchain practical for real-world applications.
Optimistic Rollups
Assume transactions are valid by default. Use fraud proofs if disputes arise. Examples: Optimism, Arbitrum, Base.
ZK Rollups
Generate cryptographic proofs of validity for each batch. Faster finality, stronger guarantees. Examples: zkSync, StarkNet, Scroll.
Based Rollups
Sequencing done by L1 validators instead of centralized sequencers. Maximum decentralization and L1 alignment. Examples: Taiko.
L2 Benefits for Identity
~$0.01
Transaction Cost
<2s
Confirmation Time
1000+
TPS Capacity
L1
Security Inherited
Data Availability Modes
A critical design choice for any L2 is where transaction data is stored. This determines the balance between transparency, privacy, cost, and security—especially important for identity applications handling sensitive personal information.
Rollup Mode
All transaction data is posted to L1 (Ethereum). Maximum transparency and data availability, but higher costs and all data is publicly visible.
Best for: DeFi, public registries
Validium Mode
Transaction data is stored off-chain with only proofs posted to L1. Dramatically lower costs and private data stays private—ideal for identity.
Best for: Identity, credentials, private data
Volition Mode
Hybrid approach where users choose per-transaction whether data goes on-chain or off-chain. Flexibility at the cost of complexity.
Best for: Mixed use cases
Why Validium for Identity?
Identity credentials contain sensitive personal data that should never be exposed on a public blockchain. Validium mode ensures:
- •Privacy by default: Personal data never touches the public chain
- •Cryptographic security: Zero-knowledge proofs verify correctness without revealing data
- •Regulatory compliance: Meets GDPR and data protection requirements
- •Cost efficiency: 10-100x cheaper than posting all data on-chain
Blockchain for Digital Identity
DID Registries
Decentralized Identifier documents can be anchored on-chain, providing a global, censorship-resistant registry for identity resolution.
Credential Status
Smart contracts can manage revocation registries, enabling real-time verification of credential validity without centralized databases.
Trust Anchors
Issuer registries and governance frameworks can be encoded in smart contracts, creating transparent, auditable trust frameworks.
ZK Integration
Modern blockchains support zero-knowledge proofs, enabling privacy-preserving identity verification—prove attributes without revealing underlying data.
Ethrex
Ethrex is a modern Ethereum execution client built in Rust by LambdaClass, designed for high performance, reliability, and L2 infrastructure. As part of the client diversity effort, alternative implementations strengthen the network's resilience while enabling next-generation rollup architectures.
SovraChain: The Complete Picture
SovraChain combines multiple blockchain innovations into a purpose-built identity infrastructure:
SovraChain
Identity Infrastructure for Millions
Ethrex
Execution Client
by LambdaClass
Based Rollup
L1 Sequencing
Max Decentralization
Validium Mode
Off-chain Data
Privacy Protected
Ethereum Layer 2
Inherits L1 Security • Low Cost • High Throughput
Ethereum (L1)
Settlement Layer • Proof Verification • Trust Anchor
Blockchain Technology
Immutability • Decentralization • Transparency
SovraChain is built as a Based Rollup powered by Ethrex, operating in Validium mode to ensure private data never touches the public chain. By using L1 validators for sequencing, it inherits Ethereum's decentralization while keeping sensitive identity information secure off-chain. This architecture delivers the trust, transparency, and privacy required for identity infrastructure—leveraging L2 scaling to serve millions of citizens and institutions at scale, making verifiable credentials practical for governments, enterprises, and entire populations.
Privacy & Security
Selective Disclosure
Selective disclosure allows credential holders to share only specific attributes rather than revealing everything. This is fundamental to privacy in SSI.
Example: Age Verification
Traditional Method
Show ID → Reveals full name, exact birthdate, address, ID number, photo
With Selective Disclosure
Present proof → Only reveals: "Yes, this person is over 21"
BBS+ Signatures
BBS+ is a cryptographic signature scheme that enables selective disclosure. Unlike traditional signatures, BBS+ allows creating proofs that reveal only chosen attributes while maintaining cryptographic verifiability.
How BBS+ Works
Issuer signs credential with all attributes using BBS+
Holder creates a derived proof revealing only selected attributes
Verifier confirms the proof without seeing hidden attributes
Common Applications
- •Age verification without birthdate
- •Employment proof without salary
- •Residency proof without exact address
- •Qualification proof without transcript details
Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) allow proving a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the validity of the statement itself. This is the ultimate form of privacy-preserving verification.
The Three Properties
Completeness
If the statement is true, an honest verifier will be convinced
Soundness
If the statement is false, no dishonest prover can convince the verifier
Zero-Knowledge
The verifier learns nothing beyond the truth of the statement
Applications in SSI
Range Proofs
Prove age is over 21 without revealing birthdate
Income Verification
Prove income exceeds threshold without exact amount
Membership Proofs
Prove group membership without identifying which member
Credential Validity
Prove credential is valid without revealing contents
Credential Management
Credential management is the systematic process of creating, storing, managing, and revoking digital credentials. It's the backbone of identity and access management.
Credential Types
Password-Based
Traditional username/password
Digital Certificates
PKI-based certificates
Biometric
Fingerprints, facial recognition
Hardware Tokens
Physical security keys
API Keys
Application authentication
Verifiable Credentials
Cryptographically signed, tamper-proof
Best Practices
- 1.Automate credential lifecycle management
- 2.Implement Zero Trust verification principles
- 3.Use multi-factor authentication
- 4.Encrypt credentials at rest and in transit
- 5.Monitor and audit access continuously
- 6.Adopt verifiable credentials for identity verification
Architecture & Standards
SSI Architecture
A complete SSI ecosystem requires several interconnected components:
Digital Wallets
Applications that store DIDs, private keys, and credentials. Enable users to manage identity and selectively share credentials.
Verifiable Data Registries
Systems for creating and verifying identifiers, keys, and schemas. Often implemented using blockchain or distributed ledgers.
Credential Schemas
Machine-readable definitions of credential structures ensuring interoperability between issuers and verifiers.
Revocation Registries
Privacy-preserving mechanisms for issuers to revoke credentials without revealing which specific credential was revoked.
Trust Frameworks
Governance structures defining rules, policies, and technical standards for the SSI ecosystem.
Standards & Specifications
SSI is built on open standards from global standards bodies, ensuring interoperability:
Verifiable Credentials Data Model
Standard data model and formats for verifiable credentials and presentations.
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
Specification for globally unique, user-controlled identifiers.
OpenID for Verifiable Credentials
OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP for credential issuance and presentation via OAuth 2.0.
DIDComm Messaging
Protocol for secure, private peer-to-peer communication between DIDs.
eIDAS 2.0
European framework for Digital Identity Wallets and cross-border recognition.
Ecosystem & Adoption
Reusable Identity
Reusable identity means verifying once and using that verified identity across multiple services. Instead of repeating verification everywhere, credentials are issued once and accepted anywhere.
Trust Once. Use Everywhere.
Traditional
Verify at Bank A → Verify again at Bank B → Verify again at Insurance C → Repeat...
Reusable Identity
Verify once → Get credential → Present to Bank A, Bank B, Insurance C, anywhere
Benefits
Faster Onboarding
Reduce verification from days to seconds
Cost Reduction
Eliminate redundant verification processes
Enhanced Security
Fewer touchpoints mean fewer breach opportunities
Better UX
No more filling out the same forms repeatedly
eIDAS 2.0 & EU Digital Identity
eIDAS 2.0 is the EU's updated digital identity framework. Published April 2024, it mandates Digital Identity Wallets for all EU citizens by 2026.
Core Components
EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI)
Secure containers for storing and managing identity documents with granular control over sharing.
Trust Services
Digital signatures, electronic seals, time stamps, and website authentication.
Cross-Border Recognition
Digital identities recognized across all EU member states.
Benefits by Stakeholder
Citizens
- • Simplified access
- • Privacy protections
- • Selective disclosure
Businesses
- • Streamlined KYC
- • Reduced costs
- • Cross-border expansion
Governments
- • Better service delivery
- • Harmonized standards
- • Fraud reduction
Timeline
2026: All EU member states must provide Digital Identity Wallets to citizens
Wallet Business Models
Understanding business models for digital identity wallets is crucial for sustainable ecosystem development. Three primary archetypes have emerged:
Self-Supporting
Wallet operates as financially independent product. Revenue from transactions (like credit card interchange fees).
Example: Small fees per identity verification
Internal Sponsorship
Wallet integrated into broader service ecosystem. Enables primary products even if not profitable independently.
Example: Like gaming consoles driving subscriptions
External Funding
Government grants or public funding. Prioritizes widespread access as public policy objective.
Example: Free wallets supported by public funds
Fee Structures
Verifier Pays Issuer
Most probable model. Service providers compensate issuers per verification.
Issuer/Holder Pays
Less common. For premium services or expedited issuance.
Web3 & Decentralized Identity
Web3 identity enables users to manage digital identities in a decentralized way, emphasizing user control over data rather than reliance on centralized institutions.
Web3 vs. Traditional Identity
Traditional
- • Centralized databases
- • Single points of failure
- • Third-party data sharing
- • Multiple accounts/passwords
- • Provider controls access
Web3 / SSI
- • Decentralized storage
- • No single point of failure
- • Direct user-to-verifier sharing
- • Single identity across apps
- • User owns and controls access
Emerging Use Cases
- •Age verification without revealing birthdates
- •Professional credential verification
- •NFT and digital asset ownership proof
- •Metaverse identity and access
- •Cross-platform reputation systems
Applications
Real-World Use Cases
SSI enables transformative applications across multiple sectors. Each use case includes a 2026 Feasibility Index based on technical readiness, regulatory clarity, and market adoption.
Government & Public Services
Citizen IDs
Government-issued digital identity credentials replacing physical ID cards
Social Benefits
Eligibility credentials for welfare, pensions, and social programs with privacy controls
Licenses & Permits
Driver licenses, construction permits, commercial licenses verifiable via QR
Tax Documents
Digital tax records and filings stored as verifiable credentials for instant verification
Tokenized Subsidy Delivery
Issue subsidies as blockchain tokens; unused tokens generate returns or revert to government
Permanent Residence VC
Migration authorities issue digital residency for labor contracts and procedures
Voting Credentials
Secure, verifiable credentials enabling remote and in-person electoral participation
Refugee Crisis Identity
Digital identity credentials for displaced populations during humanitarian crises
Digital Executor
Digital wills executed via executor identity credentials with legal frameworks
Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
Vaccination Proofs
Verifiable immunization records for travel, school enrollment, and employment
Medical Records
Patient health records as portable credentials shared selectively with providers
Digital Prescriptions
Physicians issue prescriptions as credentials; pharmacies verify and dispense digitally
Provider Licenses
Healthcare professional credentials verified instantly by institutions and patients
Disability Status Verification
Privacy-preserving credentials for benefits, parking, and discounts via QR
Insurance Claims
Present diagnostic and policy credentials for claim processing without paperwork
Travel Health Credentials
Vaccination and medical history credentials for cross-border health authorities
Education & Professional Credentials
Degrees & Diplomas
University degrees issued as tamper-proof credentials eliminating diploma fraud
Certifications
Professional certifications from training providers verifiable by employers
Digital Transcripts
Academic records as credentials for employment and graduate applications
Skills Badges & Micro-credentials
Courses issue credentials documenting skill development for job portability
Training Records
Corporate and vocational training completions tracked as verifiable credentials
Exam Authentication
Identity verification via wallet before online exams prevents impersonation
School Transfers
Academic history transfers between institutions via credentials rather than paper
Online Class Access
Single identity enables access across multiple learning platforms seamlessly
Lifelong Credential Portfolio
Complete career credential history managed in wallet, updatable throughout life
Finance & Banking
Reusable KYC
Validated KYC data stored as credentials and reused across financial institutions
Remote Account Opening
100% remote bank account opening via wallet credentials without branch visits
Credit Scores
Portable credit history credentials shared selectively with lenders
Account Ownership
Proof of bank account ownership for payments, payroll, and verification
AML Compliance
Anti-money laundering clearance credentials for regulated transactions
International Money Transfer
Verified identity reduces friction in remittances and cross-border transfers
Instant Financial Onboarding
Previously verified identity enables instant signup for new financial products
Digital Account Closure
Credential-based authentication for secure remote account termination
Transaction History
Verifiable transaction records for loan applications and audits
Employment & HR
Work History
Verified employment records from previous employers for job applications
Professional Licenses
Healthcare, legal, engineering licenses verified instantly by employers
Background Checks
Pre-verified background credentials reducing hiring time and costs
Job Applicant Verification
Candidates share experience and education credentials for instant verification
Social Authority Credentials
Credentials proving authority for officials, police, inspectors
References
Digitally signed reference letters from previous supervisors and colleagues
Retail & Consumer
Age Verification
Share age credentials for restricted purchases without exposing other personal data
Online Shopping Identity
Identity credentials prevent fraud in high-value purchases while improving privacy
Vehicle Rental
Present driver license credentials and tokenized payment for instant rental
Loyalty & Membership
Portable membership credentials usable across partner networks
Correlation Control
Consumers limit data shared with each provider through wallet privacy controls
Supply Chain & Logistics
Product Authenticity
Authenticity certificates as credentials for luxury goods and pharmaceuticals
Origin Tracking
Verifiable provenance credentials from farm/factory to consumer
Compliance Certifications
ISO, safety, and regulatory compliance credentials for suppliers
Labor Practices
Fair trade and ethical labor certifications verifiable throughout supply chain
Import & Customs Clearance
Digital certificates expedite customs with verifiable origin documentation
Vehicle Assembly Tracking
Components receive unique identifiers tracked throughout manufacturing
Pseudonymous Distribution
Verified pseudonymous identities for logistics agents protecting privacy
Enterprise & IoT
Credential-Based Access Control
Employees and vendors access sensitive data via credential authentication
Enterprise Identifiers
Businesses receive verifiable identifiers from chambers of commerce
Cross-Platform Identity
Credentials shared across platforms without reprocessing or new accounts
Secure Communications
Credential-authenticated identities establish encrypted communication channels
Confidential Engagements
NDAs issued as credentials before business meetings or data access
Device Manufacturing Identity
Each device receives unique identifier during manufacturing for lifecycle tracking
Device Delivery Verification
Device integrity verified at each delivery stage preventing counterfeiting
Autonomous Device Setup
Secure initial device configuration using device identity and wallet auth
The Sovra Approach
Sovra implements SSI principles through a comprehensive product suite designed for real-world deployment at government and enterprise scale. Over 8 million citizens across Argentina and Mexico now have access to on-chain verifiable credentials through our platform—with adoption growing daily as more users discover the power of self-sovereign identity.
8M+
Citizens
1.2M
Identities
20+
Government Deployments
The Stack Architecture
The stack comprises four modular, interoperable components that work together to deliver blockchain-grade security with user sovereignty:
SovraGov DPIDigital Public Infrastructure
No-code platform designed as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—enabling governments to digitize services and issue verifiable credentials. The foundational identity layer for national digital ecosystems.
SovraID DPGDigital Public Good
Built on a certified Digital Public Good (DPG)—providing open-source APIs and infrastructure for creating, managing, and verifying DIDs and verifiable credentials.
SovraWallet OSSOpen-Source
Non-custodial mobile and web application storing credentials under individual user control. Citizens hold their own data—we never do.
SovraChain ChainBlockchain
Layer-2 Ethereum rollup using Validium technology—combining zk-proof security with off-chain data storage for scalability and privacy.
Three Pillars
Scalability
Layer-2 performance enabling millions of credentials without blockchain congestion.
Privacy
Zero-knowledge proofs for selective disclosure—prove claims without revealing data.
Sovereignty
Citizen data control via open standards—you own your identity, not a platform.
Our philosophy: “Trust once. Use everywhere.”
Digital identity is becoming global public infrastructure for the coming decade. By implementing W3C standards, OpenID4VC protocols, and zero-knowledge proofs on Ethereum-based infrastructure, Sovra bridges cutting-edge SSI technology with practical government and enterprise deployment.
Resources
Further Reading
Dive deeper into self-sovereign identity:
Self-Sovereign Identity (Book)
By Alex Preukschat & Drummond Reed. The definitive guide to decentralized digital identity.
Manning Publications →OpenID for Verifiable Credentials
OIDF specifications for credential issuance and presentation.
Learn more →