Decentralized IDentifiers (DIDs)
A decentralized identifier (DID) for email is a unique, verifiable identifier that allows users to control their own email address without relying on a central authority like a traditional email provider, essentially giving individuals more privacy and ownership over their digital identity when sending and receiving emails; it’s important because it can potentially reduce data breaches and allow users to choose who they share their email information with, rather than being tied to a single provider’s system.
Key points about DIDs for email:
- No central control: Unlike traditional email addresses, a DID for email is not managed by a single company, meaning no one entity has complete control over your email identity.
- Blockchain integration: Often, DIDs are stored on a blockchain, which provides a secure and tamper-proof ledger for verifying identity information.
- User control: With a DID, you can choose which information to share and with whom, allowing for granular control over your privacy.
- Verifiable credentials: DIDs can be used to verify claims about yourself, like your age or employment status, without revealing unnecessary personal details.
Potential benefits of using a DID for email:
- Reduced spam: By controlling who can access your email address, you can potentially minimize the amount of unwanted spam you receive.
- Improved security: Since no single entity holds your email data, it becomes harder for hackers to target and compromise your information.
- Data portability: You can easily switch email providers without losing access to your contacts and data because your DID remains the same.