Master's Thesis Kilian Käslin

Etablierung eines minimal tragfähigen Self-Sovereign Identitätsnetzwerks

Abstract

In this master's thesis, we investigate the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) concept, a new identity management system. The proponents of SSI argue that it improves upon classical identity management solutions by giving the user more control over his identity. Entities map their digital identity to Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) registered on verifiable data registries, for example, blockchains. Using Verifiable Credentials (VCs) entity's identity characteristics can be attested and proven to third parties.

To investigate the SSI concept, this master's thesis implements a prototypical user-centric minimum viable SSI network with a focus on the user journey. We develop a network consisting of two institution web services providing interfaces for user interaction. User's can login to the institution web service using their DIDs and request and present VCs.

Furthermore, we compile a list of SSI use-cases that include enterprise and user-centric use-cases field experts regard as candidates for first SSI applications. We assemble a list of challenges that must be solved to mature the SSI concept and its application from the perspective of field experts. We identify four groups of challenges, security and trust, regulatory, user experience, and market acceptance challenges.

Moreover, we investigate the potential centralization of the SSI trust network by developing an issuer desirability function. We attest a centralization in regards to VC-issuing entities.

Keywords: Self-Sovereign Identity, Distributed Identifiers, Verifiable Credentials,Verifiable Presentations, Trust Network, Use-cases, Challenges