Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are unique digital ID strings that let people, devices, and organizations prove who they are online without relying on a central company or government. [1, 2, 3] Unlike traditional user accounts, emails, or government-issued passports, DIDs are fully owned and controlled by you. They form a core part of the official W3C Decentralized Identifiers Standard. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Unique Text Strings: A DID looks like a normal web address, starting with did: followed by a method and a unique number (for example, did:example:123456). [1, 2]

Cryptographic Keys: Each DID connects to a digital record containing public cryptographic keys. [1, 2]

Self-Proof: You prove you own the ID by signing messages with your private key, removing the need for a central database to check your password. [1]

Complete Ownership: No third party can delete, freeze, or change your identifier. [1, 2]

Better Privacy: DIDs do not store personal details like your real name, phone number, or email address inside the ID string. [1, 2]

No Password Fatigue: You can log into websites or apps securely using your cryptographic keys instead of remembering endless passwords. [1, 2]

DIDs have to be generated somehow. More AI output on this:

The leading open-source software for creating decentralized identifiers includes Credo, ACA-Py, walt.id, Veramo, SpruceID, CREDEBL, and Sphereon. These tools support various credential formats and protocols, aligning with the current standards for decentralized identity management. startwithidentity.com gartner.com

Overview of Open Source Software for Decentralized Identifiers

Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are crucial for managing digital identities in a secure and user-controlled manner. Several open-source software projects have emerged to facilitate the creation and management of DIDs.

Leading Open Source Tools

The following tools are recognized as the leading open-source software for creating decentralized identifiers:

Software	Description	Key Features
Credo	A TypeScript framework for decentralized identity, supporting mobile wallets.	Supports DIDComm and AnonCreds; React Native support.
ACA-Py	A mature Python agent for decentralized identity, maintained with government support.	Well-documented; widely used in various applications.
walt.id	Focuses on identity and access management using decentralized technologies.	Tools for issuing and verifying digital credentials.
Veramo	A framework for building decentralized identity applications.	Supports multiple credential formats and protocols.
SpruceID	Provides tools for managing decentralized identities and verifiable credentials.	Interoperable with various identity systems.
CREDEBL	An open-source platform for managing decentralized identity at an organizational scale.	Multi-tenancy support; issuer and verifier console.
Sphereon	Offers tools for issuing, verifying, and managing digital credentials.	Integrates with existing systems for credential management.

Key Features of Decentralized Identity Tools

Interoperability: These tools support various credential formats and protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing identity systems.
User Control: Users maintain control over their identities, enhancing privacy and security.
Support for Standards: Many of these tools align with current standards for decentralized identity management, such as OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP.

The other two pillars are verifiable credentials and blockchain or other means to make DIDs and credentials are accessible, private, and secure. Of course, a key aspect of blockchain is that those using it replicate it. Everyone has a copy all of which are updated when DIDs are added or modified.

It seems to me that Chattanooga.Digital could enable all three pillars, and the place to start is providing means to create and manage DIDs.

Thoughts? Let’s discuss vis-a-vis IAM… It seems that Keycloak, at least, supports DIDs.

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