What is decentralized identifiers? (DID)

Decentralized identifiers (DID) are digital identifiers that allow individuals to create and manage their digital identities independently of a centralized authority, such as a government or social media platform. Unlike traditional identifiers like email addresses or usernames, which are issued and controlled by a single entity, DIDs are user-generated and self-managed. 

Decentralized identifiers use blockchain or distributed ledger technology to ensure that users have control over their data, enhancing privacy and security by enabling secure, peer-to-peer verification of identity without relying on third-party providers. The city of Zug in Switzerland uses DIDs to enable secure access to e-government services and identity verification.