OpenID for Verifiable Credentials

OpenID: Powering Secure and Seamless Digital Identity

OpenID is an open standard and decentralized authentication protocol that allows users to log into multiple websites with a single set of credentials, improving both convenience and security. Instead of creating new usernames and passwords for every site, users can authenticate through a trusted identity provider (IdP), such as Google, Microsoft, or a government digital ID system.

Key Benefits of OpenID

• User Convenience: One login across services means fewer passwords to remember and manage.

• Stronger Security: OpenID reduces the risk of password reuse and phishing attacks by delegating authentication to secure, trusted identity providers.

• Federated Identity: Enables organizations to accept identities issued by other trusted sources—useful for governments, universities, and regulated businesses seeking cross-platform interoperability.

• Open Standards: As an open protocol, OpenID is supported by a global community and continually evolves to meet modern identity and privacy needs.

OpenID Connect

The most widely adopted version today is OpenID Connect, which layers identity on top of the OAuth 2.0 protocol. It provides identity tokens (ID tokens) in JSON Web Token (JWT) format, making it easy to integrate into modern web and mobile applications.

Relevance to Digital Identity Ecosystems

OpenID Connect is now foundational to many national and international digital identity frameworks, including:

• EUDI Wallet (EU Digital Identity): Uses OpenID for Verifiable Credentials (OpenID4VC) to enable secure sharing of digital credentials.

• MOSIP: Integrates OpenID for authentication between relying parties and identity providers in decentralized identity architectures.

Conclusion

OpenID is a critical building block for secure, user-centric digital identity systems. Its widespread adoption and compatibility with privacy-first approaches make it essential for governments, academic institutions, and businesses navigating digital transformation.

Sources:

1. OpenID Foundation – Official Website

   https://openid.net

2. OpenID Connect Specification

   https://openid.net/connect

3. OpenID for Verifiable Credentials (OpenID4VC)

   https://openid.net/wg/abcd/

   (Working group for OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP protocols)

4. European Commission – Digital Identity and EUDI Wallet (for OpenID4VC use)

   https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks

5. MOSIP Documentation – OpenID Bridge Developer Guide

   https://docs.mosip.io/1.2.0/modules/commons/openid-bridge-developer-guide

6. OpenID Foundation – Introduction to OpenID Connect

   https://openid.net/developers/how-connect-works/