> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fairway.global/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fairway.global/learn/introduction-to-digital-identity-and-verifiable-credentials/decentralized-identifiers-dids-and-ssi.md).

# Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and SSI

**Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Their Role in SSI**

#### **What Are Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)?**

DIDs are **unique, self-controlled identifiers** that allow individuals and organizations to **authenticate and verify themselves across digital platforms** without relying on centralized identity providers (such as Facebook, Google, or government agencies). Unlike traditional email-based or username-password authentication, **DIDs are cryptographically secure and interoperable across different identity systems**.

#### **How DIDs Work in Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)**

* A **user generates a DID** through their digital wallet.
* The DID is **linked to a cryptographic key pair**.
* Users can **sign identity proofs** using their **private key** and share them with verifiers without revealing their private data.
* DIDs can be resolved and verified on **decentralized networks**, such as **Hyperledger, Ethereum, Cardano, and EBSI**.

#### **Privacy Control & Interoperability**

* **DIDs support Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)** for privacy-preserving verification.
* **They enable user-controlled, self-sovereign identity solutions**.
* **Interoperable across blockchain networks and digital identity ecosystems.**

🔗 **Sources:**

* W3C Decentralized Identifiers Standard: <https://www.w3.org/TR/did-core/>
* Hyperledger Identity Solutions: <https://www.hyperledger.org/>

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