Digital Ledgers, Digital Identities, and Elevated Data Protection
In the digital age, our online identities have become an integral part of our lives. However, the way these identities are managed differs significantly between Web 2.0 and the emerging Web 3.0.
Web 2.0, the current version of the internet, relies on centralised platforms like Google and Facebook to manage digital identities. This centralisation creates single points of failure that can be vulnerable to breaches, misuse, or censorship by these intermediaries. Users have limited control over their identity and data, which platforms can suspend, share, or monetise without explicit consent.
Conversely, Web 3.0 introduces a decentralised digital identity system. This system is based on blockchain and cryptographic protocols, empowering users with self-sovereign identity. This means users fully own and control their identities without relying on third-party gatekeepers. Users store their identity data encrypted and selectively share access, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorised use. Decentralisation eliminates single points of failure, enhancing overall security. Furthermore, users can verify their identity across multiple platforms seamlessly without losing control or needing third-party approval.
Let's compare the key differences in security and user control between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 digital identity:
| Aspect | Web 2.0 Centralised Identity | Web 3.0 Decentralised Identity | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Control of Data | Controlled by centralised platforms | Owned and controlled by users | | Data Privacy | Limited; data can be sold/shared by platforms | Enhanced via encryption and selective disclosure | | Security | Vulnerable to breaches due to central points | Higher security through decentralization, cryptography | | Identity Verification| Managed by intermediaries; can be suspended | Self-sovereign; user-managed cryptographic proofs | | Censorship Risk | High; platforms can block users | Low; users manage their identity directly |
Web 3.0's decentralised digital identities provide improved security by removing centralised risks and give users unprecedented control and ownership over their digital personas. However, this also places more responsibility on users to manage their keys and identities securely.
The trust triangle in Web 3.0 consists of the Holder, the Issuer, and the Verifier. The Holder stores their verifiable credentials in a wallet, while the Issuer issues documents or verifiable credentials to the Holder, which must have a unique cryptographic signature. The Verifier checks the validity of the Holder’s credentials.
While Web 1.0 was a decentralised and free version of the internet, Web 2.0 made the internet centralised and platform-based, with large corporations controlling access and storing personal data. The primary problem of blockchain digital identity is lacking awareness among non-tech users and organisations.
Blockchain technology, used in Web 3.0, is a digital distributed database used to store and transmit digital data, often records of completed transactions. It allows anyone to add a new record to the chain, but nothing can be deleted-only added. Web 3.0 will be structured as a "semantic web", making it machine-readable.
In 2022, millions of people around the world suffered personal data leaks, highlighting the need for a more secure digital identity system. Excessive data leakage in Web 2.0, with over 22 billion records exposed in 2021 alone, underscores the urgency for change.
In conclusion, Web 3.0's decentralised digital identities offer a promising solution to the security and control issues prevalent in Web 2.0. As awareness and adoption grow, we can look forward to a more secure and user-controlled digital future.
[1] D. D. Manohar, et al., "Blockchain-Based Decentralized Identity: A Survey," IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 182681-182697, 2020. [2] M. R. Fuentes-Santos, et al., "A Survey on Decentralized Identity Systems," IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 235-251, 2020. [3] J. A. Joseph, et al., "Towards a Decentralized Identity System for Personal Data Protection," IEEE Access, vol. 9, pp. 74446-74457, 2021. [4] M. J. Zyskind, et al., "The Decentralized Identity Foundation: A Framework for Self-Sovereign Identity," IEEE Transactions on Services Computing, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 1019-1031, 2020.
The shift towards Web 3.0's decentralised digital identities can revolutionize the finance and business sectors, as it allows for increased data privacy and security. By utilizing blockchain and cryptographic protocols, business transactions become more secure, reducing the risk of breaches and fraud.
Moreover, the educational landscape and the pursuit of self-development can further benefit from self-sovereign identities. With greater control over their digital personas, individuals acquire the ability to manage their online reputations and credential verifications more effectively, enhancing their opportunities in various aspects of life.
