Self-Sovereign Identity

Definition ∞ Self-sovereign identity refers to a model where individuals have ultimate control over their digital identities without reliance on central authorities. Users can create, manage, and share their identity attributes securely and selectively. This approach shifts the power dynamic from external organizations to the individual, enabling greater privacy and autonomy online. It is built upon principles of decentralization and user agency.
Context ∞ Self-sovereign identity is a critical concept within the broader discourse on decentralized digital credentials and blockchain-based identity solutions. Discussions often involve its potential to revolutionize how personal data is managed, moving away from siloed databases controlled by corporations or governments. News in this area frequently covers pilot programs, new protocol developments, and the regulatory challenges associated with establishing truly sovereign digital identities. The future trajectory involves greater adoption and integration into various online services.