- The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) recently introduced an innovative privacy-preserving data sharing solution.
- This development aims to enhance security and reduce fake accounts in the Web3 ecosystem.
- “The new Verifiable Credentials feature of Internet Identity addresses longstanding problems for online privacy-preserving authentication,” said Jan Camenisch, CTO of the DFINITY Foundation, the force behind ICP.
Discover how ICP’s new Verified Credentials can revolutionize data privacy and security in the decentralized web space.
ICP Introduces Verified Credentials
Verified Credentials (VCs) are cryptographic digital representations of qualifications and achievements, akin to digital versions of physical credentials. These credentials can be shared with online service providers to verify claims such as age or identity, without revealing excessive personal information.
These VCs operate on ICP’s Internet Identity, a decentralized identity platform. Unlike traditional password or seed phrase-based systems, Internet Identity uses passkeys, safeguarding users from phishing attempts.
With VCs, users can manage identity attributes within their Internet Identity, controlling and reusing their credentials without disclosing personal data to decentralized applications. Users can decide the amount of information shared, such as verifying age without revealing further identity details.
Addressing the Challenge of Bots
The initial implementation of VCs is the Proof of Unique Humanity (PoUH), a feature integrated with OpenChat, a decentralized on-chain messaging app. PoUH employs biometric data like facial, finger, or palm print recognition to ensure a single account per human, thereby eliminating bots and multiple accounts used for fraudulent activities on both traditional and Web3 platforms.
“Apart from decentralized applications on the Internet Computer, legacy systems can also utilize Internet Identity to authenticate users with Verifiable Credentials—proving they are real, have completed KYC, or are over 18,” Camenisch elaborated.
Conclusion
In summary, ICP’s introduction of Verified Credentials marks a significant step in enhancing online privacy and security. By providing a secure and decentralized means of sharing credentials, this innovation has the potential to transform user authentication processes, reduce fake accounts, and enhance overall trust in digital interactions. As ICP continues to develop its ecosystem, the implications for the future of secure, private, and user-controlled data sharing appear increasingly promising.
