Abstract
This chapter explores the intersection of digital identity and global data sovereignty, focusing on blockchain's impact. The authors analyze its transformative potential, security, and challenges concerning data regulations. This chapter advocates for a user-centric, ethical, and secure approach to digital identity, addressing societal implications and emphasizing user sovereignty. The chapter calls for interdisciplinary collaboration and outlines future directions for a secure digital identity framework.
Top2. Literature Review
The advent of the digital age has significantly transformed identity and data management, extending these concepts beyond tangible documentation into a realm characterized by digital footprints that represent both invaluable assets and potential vulnerabilities. This literature review delves deeply into the multifaceted landscape of digital identity, with a keen focus on the revolutionary role of blockchain technology and the pivotal notion of data sovereignty. The analysis is underpinned by an extensive array of scholarly articles and research papers, providing a rich, multi-dimensional understanding.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger system that records transactions across multiple computers, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability of data.
Decentralization: Decentralization refers to the distribution of authority and control across a network, reducing reliance on single points of control.
Digital Wallet: A digital wallet is a secure application or device used to store and manage digital identity credentials and keys.
Usability Testing: Usability testing involves evaluating the ease of use and user-friendliness of digital identity systems through user feedback and testing.
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI): Self-sovereign identity is a decentralized approach to digital identity that empowers individuals with control over their own identity data, reducing reliance on centralized authorities.
Compliance Frameworks: Compliance frameworks provide guidelines and requirements for organizations to adhere to relevant regulations and standards.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): GDPR is a European Union regulation that governs data protection and privacy, imposing strict requirements on the handling of personal data.
Biometric Authentication: Biometric authentication uses physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to verify a user's identity.
Privacy by Design: Privacy by design is a framework that integrates privacy considerations into the design and architecture of systems, emphasizing proactive privacy protection.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication is a security method that requires users to provide two forms of verification before accessing an account or system.
Biometric Data: Biometric data includes physiological or behavioral characteristics used for biometric authentication, such as fingerprints, retina scans, or voiceprints.
Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting digital systems, networks, and data from security threats, including cyberattacks and data breaches.
Consent Management: Consent management involves obtaining and managing user consent for data processing activities, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
Data Sovereignty: Data sovereignty is the concept that data is subject to the laws and governance of the country or region where it is stored, emphasizing data control and protection.
Interoperability Standards: Interoperability standards define protocols and formats that enable different systems to exchange data and operate seamlessly together.
User-Centric Design: User-centric design is an approach that prioritizes user needs, preferences, and usability in the development of digital identity solutions.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Multi-stakeholder collaboration involves cooperation among various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, in shaping digital identity policies and standards.
Tokenization: Tokenization is the process of substituting sensitive data with a non-sensitive equivalent, called a token, to enhance security.
Digital Identity: Digital identity refers to the online representation of an individual or entity, consisting of digital attributes, credentials, and personal information.
Phishing: Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials, by posing as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.