Are We Approaching a World Without Paper Passports? Ontology's Efforts to Harmonize Decentralized Identity with Global Standards

He emphasizes how this innovative framework is redefining the very essence of trust in our digital interactions, elaborates on the key elements of the ONT ID system, and discusses how their technology could revolutionize multiple industries. Moreover, he addresses the hurdles tied to widespread adoption and the future of safeguarding digital identities. Hack Seasons Conference What Sets Ontology's Decentralized Identity Approach Apart from Other Blockchain Initiatives? What Exclusive Benefits Does It Provide for Users and Businesses?

Richards explains how Ontology We've been on the path of creating a decentralized identity for approximately six years now. Throughout this journey, we've developed a range of packages and protocols designed to simplify the integration process for users.

Above all, our commitment to compliance and standards has been a top priority. We made sure our Decentralized Identifier (DID) aligns with the W3C standards. Additionally, we emphasized making our tools accessible to developers and users alike. Our OntoWallet provides individuals with a reliable way to create and manage their identities.

Furthermore, we offer a variety of protocols like OntLogin, which streamlines the login process for users. A standout feature is our cross-chain capability and EVM compatibility, enabling users to leverage OntID across numerous blockchains. We're aiming for compatibility with over 100 blockchains by the close of 2025.

Another distinctive aspect of OntID is the capacity to create reputation scores, whether as credit scores or recognition for various achievements. This feature serves as a valuable resource for developers looking to enhance their protocols.

Could You Elaborate on the Concept of 'Trust Redefined'? How is Ontology Aiming to Establish Trust, Privacy, and Security in Web3?

The idea of 'trust-redefined' is quite intriguing. The historical query used to be one of personal trust: Should you place your confidence in a social media platform, a specific corporation, or even an individual with your sensitive data? For instance, when you present your passport at a hotel, how much do you really trust that establishment to handle your information responsibly?

Now, consider a different paradigm of trust: What if you didn't need to rely on individual actors at all? What if trust were rooted in the blockchain and your own security practices?

Ontology enables this paradigm shift through self-custody, a core principle of our approach. You exercise complete control over your identity, deciding what data to share, the duration of that sharing, and the timing. For example, in the hotel situation, instead of assuming the hotel will delete your information afterward, a decentralized identity allows you to temporarily share your passport information with a feature that automatically revokes access after your stay.

This represents a transformative approach to trust, repositioning it from reliance on individuals and large corporations to anchoring it in the blockchain, within yourself, and through your personal security.

What is the Structure of the ONT ID Decentralized Identity Framework? What Key Components (ONT Login, ONT TAG, Mercury, OScore) Contribute to Its Uniqueness?

The ONT ID framework operates on a decentralized identifier (DID) that meets W3C standards, ensuring compliance throughout its architecture. Its unique features include several integral components.

ONT Login facilitates controlled access, ensuring users remain in command of their data. ONT TAG serves as an identifier, applicable to both objects and individuals. Mercury supports communication streams, enhancing cross-chain interactions. OScore is the tool for constructing reputation metrics, providing a foundation for further development.

Orange Protocol builds on the OScore concept, offering a robust method for establishing reputation within various applications. Furthermore, Onto Wallet integrates with this framework, allowing users to engage with their DIDs seamlessly across different chains while retaining complete control over their data.

What is the Idea of Self-Sovereign Identity, and How is Ontology Actualizing It Through ONT ID?

Self-sovereign identity revolves around the principle that individuals should have authority over their personal information rather than relying on external parties. You hold responsibility for your identity and data, choosing the specifics of when, where, with whom, how, and for what duration you disclose information. Additionally, you can validate certain aspects without divulging excessive details.

This contrasts with traditional credentials like passports, which are issued by outside authorities (typically governments) to establish trust. Self-sovereign identity grants you dominion over the handling of such credentials.

In the real world, individuals often lack control over the management of their identities, necessitating extensive sharing of information to establish proof of identity. With self-sovereign identity, you gain definitive authority over the use of your identity and data.

While this concept isn't exclusive to OntID, it represents a foundational principle we've woven into our technology to enhance user control and privacy.

What Is Ontology's Vision for the Future of Digital Identity Protection, and What Initiatives are Being Pursued to Achieve This Goal?

The pace of development in this area is astounding. At a recent conference, I learned that a small nation, Bhutan, has successfully established a state-led decentralized identity program perceived as self-custodial. The EU is likewise exploring the implementation of decentralized identities within their digital wallets.

The discourse surrounding the importance of decentralized identities is evolving. It's poised to be one of the most significant gateways into Web3 compared to any existing technology. It's already gaining traction and is recognized as a legitimate concept by individuals, banks, governmental bodies, and health services.

The pressing inquiry now is how this development will unfold. Which solutions will emerge? How will we facilitate connections between on-chain and off-chain systems? We can anticipate a variety of decentralized identity formats in the future. The aim isn’t to settle for a single solution; rather, we will strive to integrate them all, utilizing the one best suited for specific scenarios.

This vision is not distant; it's developing faster than many anticipate. The discussions among institutions and governments—and the actual steps being taken—are accelerating this movement.

How Does Ontology's Commitment to Data Privacy Correspond with Global Data Protection Laws Like GDPR?

This intersection of fields is critical. From day one, we’ve aligned our practices with W3C standards, striving for compliance and upholding high standards of best practices. Particularly within Europe, understanding regulations like GDPR and other directives is paramount.

Decentralized identities fit seamlessly with the demands of GDPR as they empower individuals to maintain control in various contexts. The heightened security inherent in blockchain technology aligns perfectly with the stringent requirements outlined in GDPR.

In the broader realm of Web3 and cryptocurrency, we have grappled with regulations in recent years. Achieving clarity across the regulatory landscape has proven a challenge. Therefore, it's promising to see the EU exploring decentralized identity, which could pave the way for clearer regulatory frameworks.

Over the next year or two, anticipate a clearer regulatory environment in Europe. We also require similar clarity globally if we aspire to universally adopt these identities. The example of driving licenses and passports serves as a precedent, attesting to the world's capacity for cooperation in identity systems.

In the next two years, you'll witness significant regulatory developments in Europe. In two to five years, expect a cohesive global standard to emerge. It’s likely that individuals will carry decentralized identities in their passports and driver’s licenses for banking and other purposes, leading to a well-regulated and transparent framework that allows us to utilize these identities effectively.

What Are Some Possible Applications for Ontology's Technology in Sectors Beyond Finance, Including Healthcare and Supply Chain Management?

Are We Phasing Out Paper Passports? Ontology's Sprint to Harmonize Decentralized Identity with Worldwide Standards Metaverse Post

In a recent discourse, Geoffrey Richards, leading the Europe Ecosystem at Ontology, dives deep into the groundbreaking decentralized identity model of Web3. He elaborates on how it is reshaping trust in the digital environment and its ripple effects on various sectors and widespread adoption.

Are We Phasing Out Paper Passports? Ontology's Sprint to Harmonize Decentralized Identity with Worldwide Standards

Are We Phasing Out Paper Passports? Ontology's Sprint to Harmonize Decentralized Identity with Worldwide Standards

FTC's Attempt to Block the Microsoft-Activision Merger Falls Short

Published: July 11, 2024 at 11:53 am Updated: December 17, 2024 at 8:47 am

To enhance your experience in your native language, we sometimes use an automatic translation tool. Keep in mind that it might not always be precise, so please read carefully.

In a recent discussion, Geoffrey Richards, who heads the Europe Ecosystem at Ontology, delves into the innovative model of decentralized identity in Web3, reassessing the notion of trust within the digital landscape and its implications for numerous industries and broader public acceptance.

In this thought-provoking interview conducted during the

in Brussels, Geoffrey Richards, at the forefront of Ontology’s European efforts, shares insights about his journey into Web3 and Ontology's pioneering take on decentralized identity. 

This approach is revolutionizing the concept of trust in our online interactions. He highlights the essential elements of the ONT ID structure and investigates how their innovations could affect multiple sectors. Additionally, he addresses the hurdles to widespread acceptance and the future of safeguarding digital identities.

What sets Ontology's approach to decentralized identity apart from other blockchain initiatives? What distinct benefits does it provide to users and businesses?

We’ve been dedicated to developing a decentralized identity solution for quite a while now, probably starting around six years back. As far as differentiation goes, we’ve crafted numerous tools and protocols during this period to simplify the development process for users.

Prioritizing compliance and industry standards was paramount for us. We ensured that our Decentralized Identifier (DID) aligns with the W3C guidelines. Our next focus was on ensuring accessibility for both developers and users, leading to the creation of a robust identity wallet called OntoWallet, which enables individuals to easily establish and manage their identities.

Furthermore, we offer a range of protocols for developers to utilize, like OntLogin, which facilitates seamless login experiences. A significant advantage we provide is our cross-chain capabilities and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) integrations, allowing users to leverage OntID across numerous blockchain platforms. Our goal is to achieve compatibility with up to 100 chains by the close of 2025.

Lastly, a distinctive feature of OntID is its capacity to generate reputation scores, whether related to creditworthiness or accomplishments. This aspect is extremely valuable for developers looking to enrich their protocols.

Could you shed light on the idea of 'Trust Redefined'? How is Ontology aiming to foster trust, privacy, and security in the realm of Web3?

The idea of 'Trust Redefined' is quite fascinating. It revolves around the fundamental question: 'Who can you really trust?' Should you rely on social media entities, XYZ corporations, or individuals like Y when it comes to your personal data? For instance, when handing your passport to a hotel, how much trust do you place in them regarding your sensitive information?

Redefining trust means shifting the paradigm: What if you didn’t need to place your trust in those entities at all? Instead, you could rely solely on the blockchain and your own security measures.

Ontology accomplishes this through the self-custody model, a crucial part of our methodology. You maintain ownership of your identity and have the power to dictate what information you share, with whom, for how long, and under what circumstances. In the hotel example, you could provide your passport information via a decentralized identity and automatically revoke access once your stay concludes.

This approach transforms trust, moving it away from individuals and large corporations, and places it in the reliability of the blockchain and your personal security.

How exactly does the ONT ID Decentralized Identity Framework operate? What are its standout components (like ONT Login, ONT TAG, Mercury, and OScore) that set it apart?

The foundation of our framework lies in a decentralized identifier (DID) that adheres strictly to W3C standards, ensuring proper compliance in its architecture. We further enhance this structure with various features.

OntLogin empowers users to log in while keeping control of their data. ONT TAG acts as an identifier within the framework, applicable to both objects and individuals. Mercury enables bidirectional communication, fostering cross-chain interaction and a cohesive infrastructure. OScore deals with reputation metrics, which can be leveraged for further developments.