Unaddressed Digital Identity Infrastructure Poses a Persistent Problem: An Opinion Piece
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the concept of digital identity is at the forefront of global discussion. Over 50 countries are developing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), AI platforms are collaborating with governments, and wearable devices are collecting sensitive data about behaviour, thoughts, and preferences – not just for humans, but for AI agents as well. This system ensures accountability without revealing identities.
The UK is leading the way in this digital revolution, implementing age verification on online platforms. Methods such as facial recognition, credit card checks, and behavioural data are being utilised to verify age, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.
Meanwhile, in Germany, digital identity verification services are facilitating broader access to online health insurance services. Organisations like Nect Ident use eID from German and other EU passports, while companies such as Allianz grapple with cybersecurity threats. Partnerships like Verizon Business and Accenture are focusing on managing cyber threats to infrastructure. Regulatory developments include banning certain video identification methods in telematics infrastructure and increasing legislative initiatives for standard security measures and clearer company responsibilities regarding personal data protection.
However, these advancements come with their own set of challenges. Data storage and access decision-making in these systems are unclear, raising concerns about privacy and identity manipulation. If no action is taken, centralised identity, CBDCs, and AI platforms could converge into a system where governments can cut off individuals for public statements, similar to the USSR but more efficient, permanent, and harder to escape.
To combat these issues, the call for a proactive identity layer for the entire internet is growing louder. This layer should prioritise privacy, dignity, and individual freedom at the protocol level, and not be owned by governments or corporations. A portable, self-owned identity is needed for every human across platforms, along with the ability to audit and hold bots and agents accountable.
The future of the internet demands new primitives, not just patches. Kirill Avery, a self-taught coder since the age of 11, among other achievements, is one of the pioneers working towards this future. Establishing and scaling trust requires a method to prove uniqueness and accountability without exposing personal data, linking everything on-chain, or submitting to government-run surveillance regimes.
Zero-knowledge proofs offer a potential solution. These cryptographic techniques can be used to verify traits like age, location, and credentials without disclosing underlying information. Social graph validation can create identity networks that grow virally through real human connections, not centralised registration. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) and marketplaces should make decisions based on real, unique participants, not fake accounts or sybil attacks.
In conclusion, the future of digital identity management is a complex and evolving landscape. Balancing privacy, security, and freedom will be crucial in shaping the internet of tomorrow. As we continue to innovate and progress, it is essential to remember the importance of individual autonomy and the need for a proactive, privacy-focused approach to digital identity.
