Structure of Digital Identity

The architectural framework of digital identities is a pivotal aspect of modern digital interactions, raising pertinent questions about privacy and access to personal information. In the evolving landscape of digital identity, concerns about who has the ability to view one's personal details are paramount. To address these concerns and ensure the confidentiality of individual identities, the structural design mandates that personal data be localized on the user's personal devices. These devices can range from traditional computing devices like computers and laptops to more personal and portable gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even flash drives. This paper aims to explore the concept of digital identity as an aggregate of various attributes that constitute an individual's identity in the digital realm.

Tenets of Digital Identity

The composition of digital identity encompasses several key elements:

1. Actual Personal Data: The cornerstone of digital identity involves the actual personal data of individuals. A significant security concern that often surfaces in discussions about digital identity is the visibility of these personal details to unauthorized parties. To mitigate risks and preserve the privacy of digital identities, it is imperative that personal data is stored securely on the individual's own devices. This decentralized approach to data storage not only enhances security but also empowers individuals with direct control over their personal information.

2. Proof of Ownership: This is manifested through digital signatures, which are unique byte strings that validate the data's ownership by the individual it represents. These digital signatures are essential for asserting ownership and protecting against identity theft. Without such mechanisms, it would be feasible for malicious entities to impersonate others simply by acquiring their personal details. Digital signatures ensure that only the rightful owner can claim and utilize their identity, serving as a bulwark against unauthorized access and misuse.

3. Proof of Authenticity: Alongside proof of ownership, digital identities also require a mechanism for verifying the authenticity of the data they encompass. This is achieved through authority signatures, which are also byte strings that authenticate the user's personal data without revealing any sensitive information. These signatures are designed to be publicly accessible, enabling third parties to verify an individual's identity without compromising their privacy. The availability of such a verification tool is crucial for fostering trust and security in digital interactions, allowing for the seamless validation of identities in a privacy-preserving manner.

In delving into the structural design of digital identities, this paper seeks to illuminate the mechanisms and principles that underpin the secure and private management of digital personas. By examining the storage of personal data (known as attributes) on personal devices, alongside the critical roles played by digital signatures for ownership and authenticity, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements that constitute digital identity in today's digital age.

This structure will be instrumental in defining the architecture of the SovereignT Protocol and the T3 Wallet.