Democratizing Decentralized Digital Identity through Cloud agents

Coach Name

Jordi Garcia

EU Organization

Kallistech SAS

Members

Julien Bringer
Audrey Jacquemart

CA Organization

Bluink

Members

Steve Borza

Project Overview

The D3ICA project addresses current gaps in digital identity management by prioritizing decentralized technologies and with a strong focus on user-friendly solutions that improve security and accessibility for all users. It introduces “user cloud agents” in place of traditional mobile digital wallets, giving individuals a seamless and centralized, still under user-control, way to manage their digital identity credentials, by focusing on inclusive experiences for the use of their identities. This concept is particularly beneficial for communities that typically face barriers to digital identity adoption, such as the elderly and marginalized populations, by offering straightforward, user-controlled tools.

D3ICA is also pioneering cross-Atlantic digital governance by collaborating with Bluink in Canada. The project not only leverages decentralized identity principles but also embraces international interoperability, allowing users to securely navigate digital identity across borders with a single platform.

Methods and approaches

User Cloud Agents:

A novel mechanism enabling digital identity management across devices and platforms, enhancing usability, privacy, and resilience against data hijacking and control vulnerabilities.

Passwordless Authentication:

Reduces friction for users with secure, convenient biometrics and passkeys while promoting environmental sustainability by optimizing authentication processes.

Cross-Border Compatibility and Digital Governance:

The partnership with Canadian Bluink facilitates an individualized trust model for digital identities, enabling safe, secure data transactions across borders and bolstering digital governance.

Key Achievements

Inclusive Identity Management:

D3ICA has created a user-centric identities management solution that aligns with GDPR and emerging regulations like eIDAS. This platform extends digital identity to underserved groups, empowering users while supporting sovereign data control.

Social Identity Trust Mechanisms:

Innovative social identity mechanisms introduce a community-based trust building method, allowing users to assign “social guardians” to assist in identities usage or recovery, ensuring privacy and trustworthiness.

Prototype and MVP Completion:

With a high-level Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and tested web services, D3ICA demonstrates usability across simulated identity scenarios, offering practical functionality for both private and commercial uses.

International Interoperability:

Achieved cross-border functionality with Canadian credentials, demonstrating a scalable model for global identity compatibility.

Impact & Results

User Empowerment and Security

Through accessible decentralized identities management, D3ICA eliminates barriers for less tech-savvy users, allowing them to manage their data and access to digital services without needing to understand complex technology.

Enhanced Privacy and Digital Sovereignty

D3ICA supports secure, sovereign data interactions that prevent hijacking and protect users' personal information.

Support for Marginalized Communities

By designing its platform to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, D3ICA promotes inclusivity, allowing a wider range of users to access, use and control their digital identity.

Publications and Open-Source Contributions

D3ICA has contributed to various academic conferences and workshops, including:

Project Website: https://www.simeonid.com/
GitHub Repositories (scheduled for release):

D3ICA Backend

D3ICA Frontend

D3ICA Shared Resources

Presentation of the concept at https://internetidentityworkshop.com/ in October 2024 (IIW39, Moutain View, USA)

Future directions

Simeon: A Future-Proof, Global Digital Identity and Credential Management Service

With its initial goals accomplished, D3ICA is poised to launch a full-fledged digital identity and credentials management service under the brand name Simeon, encompassing any kind of digital identities (passwords, legacy credentials, verifiable credentials, decentralized identities, …) going beyond the initial scope of D3ICA. This effort includes securing additional funding to expand its international reach and developing a sustainable business model, while being already future-proof thanks to its capability to cope with many kinds of credentials and identities. Leveraging the decentralized identities management solution developed through NGI Sargasso, Simeon aims to offer a unified, inclusive and sustainable service across borders. Further user testing surveys and a beta program will be implemented in 2025 to fine tune the business model and the service offering. “Simeon is redefining credential management by offering a seamless, inclusive solution that combines passwords and verifiable credentials in one powerful app. Designed for everyone, regardless of technical expertise, Simeon ensures that convenience and security finally meet.” Julien and Audrey, Sep. 2024