Dynamic Pseudonymous Names for Private DID Interactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized identity management systems pose security and privacy risks when identities are verified through centralized authorities, and decentralized identifiers (DIDs) lack efficient mechanisms for pseudonymous interactions with third parties.
Innovation Solution
Generate pseudonymous names bound to DIDs for interactions with third parties, allowing the DID owner to maintain privacy while leveraging the benefits of decentralized networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are used for identity management, then security and privacy are improved by removing centralized control, but the ability to interact pseudonymously with third parties deteriorates due to lack of efficient mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the DID into two functional parts: a stable DID that maintains security and ownership verification, and dynamic pseudonymous names that enable privacy-protected interactions. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Pseudonymous names act as intermediaries between the DID owner and third-party entities. These pseudonyms mediate interactions by allowing the owner to engage with third parties without exposing their actual DID, thus maintaining both security and interaction capability.
2Ease of operation
If DIDs are used directly for interactions with third parties, then interaction simplicity is improved, but privacy deteriorates due to direct exposure of the DID
Solution Approach 1:
Pseudonymous names serve as intermediaries that shield the actual DID from third-party entities. The pseudonym maintains interaction simplicity while preventing direct exposure of the DID, thus preserving privacy without complicating the interaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates pseudonymous copies of the DID for interaction purposes. These pseudonym copies replicate the functional aspects needed for interaction while containing no personally identifiable information, thus maintaining simplicity while protecting privacy.
3Loss of information
If pseudonymous names are generated and bound to DIDs, then privacy is improved by hiding the actual DID, but device complexity increases due to additional name management
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where pseudonymous names are automatically generated, managed, and rotated without requiring complex user intervention. The binding between pseudonyms and DID is handled automatically by the system, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
Pseudonymous names are pre-generated and bound to the DID before interactions occur. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time name management during interactions, simplifying the overall process while maintaining privacy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are related to computing systems and methods for generating one or more pseudonymous names for use by a Decentralized Identifier (DID) owner when interacting with third party entities. An indication is received from a DID owner who is associated with a DID. The indication indicates that the DID owner desires to interact with various third party entities. A list is generated of pseudonymous names that are to be used in place of the DID as the DID owner interacts with the one or more third party entities. A selection is received for a specific one of the generated pseudonymous names. The selected specific pseudonymous name is bound to the DID so that the selected specific pseudonymous name is used during the interaction.