Article: EverSSDI: blockchain-based framework for verification, authorisation and recovery of self-sovereign identity using smart contracts Journal: International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT) 2019 Vol.60 No.3 pp.281 - 295 Abstract: In the current identity management process, the problems such as increasing differentiation of digital identities, fragmentation and centralisation of identity information have been exposed. In this paper, a framework, named EverSSDI, using smart contracts in an Ethereum-based blockchain is constructed, which provides a unique identifier to normalise differentiated user identities. A fine-grained authorisation mechanism is designed based on the Hierarchical Deterministic protocol (HD protocol) to solve the fragmentation problem of identity information. Besides, a reliable information verification mechanism is elaborated to enhance the credibility of the digital information. In addition, two novel methods are proposed for identity recovery, one of which is based on Social Networking Services (SNS) authorisation and the other Ethereum Oracles. The final implementation and discussion show that the user has self-sovereign management authority, which enables the user to become the real dominant of his/her identity rather than only a prover of digital identity. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: EverSSDI: blockchain-based framework for verification, authorisation and recovery of self-sovereign identity using smart contracts

Authors: Tong Zhou; Xiaofeng Li; He Zhao

Addresses: Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China ' Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China ' Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China

Abstract: In the current identity management process, the problems such as increasing differentiation of digital identities, fragmentation and centralisation of identity information have been exposed. In this paper, a framework, named EverSSDI, using smart contracts in an Ethereum-based blockchain is constructed, which provides a unique identifier to normalise differentiated user identities. A fine-grained authorisation mechanism is designed based on the Hierarchical Deterministic protocol (HD protocol) to solve the fragmentation problem of identity information. Besides, a reliable information verification mechanism is elaborated to enhance the credibility of the digital information. In addition, two novel methods are proposed for identity recovery, one of which is based on Social Networking Services (SNS) authorisation and the other Ethereum Oracles. The final implementation and discussion show that the user has self-sovereign management authority, which enables the user to become the real dominant of his/her identity rather than only a prover of digital identity.

Keywords: digital identity; blockchain; smart contract; Ethereum; IPFS; decentralisation; self-sovereign; hierarchical deterministic protocol.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2019.100300

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2019 Vol.60 No.3, pp.281 - 295

Received: 10 Apr 2018
Accepted: 19 Sep 2018
Published online: 25 Jun 2019 *

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Title: EverSSDI: blockchain-based framework for verification, authorisation and recovery of self-sovereign identity using smart contracts

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