What is Decentralized Identity verification, its Application, and Drawbacks?

Abhishek Pratap Singh
3 min readJan 15, 2023

Decentralized identity verification is a method of verifying the identity of an individual or entity using decentralized technologies, such as blockchain. In a decentralized identity system, identity information is stored in a decentralized database rather than a central authority, which allows individuals and organizations to have more control over their own identity information. This can help to increase security and privacy, as well as reduce the risk of identity fraud. Decentralized identity verification can be used for a variety of purposes, such as verifying the identity of users on online platforms, providing access to services and resources, and enabling secure transactions.

In a decentralized identity system, each individual or entity has a digital identity that is stored on the decentralized database. This digital identity can contain various types of information, such as name, date of birth, address, and other identifying information. The decentralized database is typically secured using cryptographic techniques, which helps to ensure the integrity and security of the data stored on it.

Decentralized identity verification can be used for a variety of purposes, such as verifying the identity of users on online platforms, providing access to services and resources, and enabling secure transactions. It can also be used to create secure, verifiable records of various types of transactions or interactions, such as financial transactions, voting, or legal agreements.

In summary, decentralized identity verification can help to increase security and privacy, while also providing a more convenient and efficient way of verifying identity. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications and industries and is an emerging area of technology that is likely to continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.

Application-

Decentralized identity verification can be used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Online platform verification: Decentralized identity verification can be used to verify the identity of users on online platforms, such as social media networks or online marketplaces.
  • Access to services and resources: Decentralized identity verification can be used to grant individuals and organizations access to services and resources, such as government benefits or healthcare services.
  • Secure transactions: Decentralized identity verification can be used to enable secure transactions, such as financial transactions or the transfer of valuable assets.
  • Verifiable records: Decentralized identity verification can be used to create secure, verifiable records of various types of transactions or interactions, such as financial transactions, voting, or legal agreements.
  • Identity verification for physical access: Decentralized identity verification can be used to verify the identity of individuals in order to grant them physical access to certain buildings or locations, such as office buildings or event venues.

Drawbacks-

There are a few potential drawbacks to decentralized identity verification:

  • Complexity: Decentralized identity systems can be complex to set up and maintain, especially for organizations that are not familiar with decentralized technologies.
  • Limited adoption: Decentralized identity systems are still relatively new and may not yet be widely adopted, which can limit their usefulness and practicality in some situations.
  • Dependence on technology: Decentralized identity systems rely on technology, such as blockchain, to function properly. If there are technical issues or disruptions, it could affect the ability to verify identities.
  • Lack of regulation: Decentralized identity systems operate outside of traditional regulatory frameworks, which can raise concerns about accountability and oversight.
  • Privacy concerns: While decentralized identity systems can increase privacy compared to centralized systems, they may also raise privacy concerns if not implemented properly. For example, if identity information is not properly secured, it could be accessed by unauthorized parties.

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Abhishek Pratap Singh

Software Engineer || Co- Founder || B-Plan contest finalist at IIT Kharagpur || 1st Rank on SQL- HackerRank