How self-sovereign identity helps users own their data
Data has been a sensitive topic since the advent of the internet. Various challenges like the misuse and improper management of data have led many to search for a solution, and some believe that it could be found in Web3 through self-sovereign identity (SSI).
Some projects have introduced SSI within their protocols, including the popular dog-themed token project, Shiba Inu (SHIB). The project’s pseudonymous lead developer Shytoshi Kusama has recently unveiled plans to integrate SSI into all Shiba projects.
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— Shib (@Shibtoken) August 6, 2023In a statement sent to Cointelegraph, Kusama described SSI as a concept emphasizing individuals’ control and ownership over their personal data. According to the developer, it lets users create, manage and share their identity information without centralized intermediaries. Kusama explained:
“Shib SSI relies on decentralized technologies, like Shibarium, to enable secure, private, and verifiable identity interactions, empowering individuals with greater privacy and control over their online identities.”According to Kusama, Shiba Inu utilizes this technology to empower its decentralized community. The developer said the team is looking toward a future where this tech is integrated into the full Shibarium ecosystem.
Related: What is Web 3.0: A beginner's guide to the decentralized internet of the future
How SSI addresses Web2 data challenges
Web2 has always faced various challenges in data management due to its centralized nature. According to BNB Chain’s senior solution architect Arno Bauer, SSI addresses these challenges and improves data management.
By aligning Web3 principles of data ownership and utilizing technologies like zero-knowledge proofs and soulbound tokens, Bauer stated that SSI enables a more secure, private and user-centric internet. “Web2 identity systems, being centralized, are prone to challenges such as potential data leakage and duplicated KYC storage,” he explained.
Bauer also told Cointelegraph that integrating SSI offers many potential benefits for Web3 projects. This includes compliance with specific regulations without disclosing sensitive Know Your Customer (KYC) information and risk controls. Bauer explained:
“By enhancing identity verification, SSI helps in avoiding scams and mitigating risks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, thereby increasing the overall security of the platform.”When it comes to users, Bauer believes that SSI can provide privacy protection and data commercialization. Because users have control over who has access to their data, they can protect their privacy and avoid data misuse. Meanwhile, users also have the potential to monetize their personal data, “turning it into an asset rather than a liability.”
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