I participated in the Internet Identity Workshop Episode of the Rubric Podcast, a casual chat on DIDs and DID methods. Basically, the conversation was mostly with the Internet Identity Workshop’s original organizers and creators.
A Brief Introduction to the Rubric
A rubric is a standard tool for evaluating subjects. In the context of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), Legendary Requirements developed two key rubrics published by Rebooting the Web of Trust and the World Wide Web Consortium. You can see the DID Method Rubric here. The Rubric podcast explores this further while introducing listeners to the people and technologies behind Decentralized Identity, including DID Methods, which determine how DIDs are created, read, updated, and deactivated.
DIDs enable powerful identity services without a trusted third party and offer a flexible alternative to traditional centralized authentication. They can be used by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose. Each DID carries information about its method to ensure secure interactions. The Rubric also interviews creators and users of different DID Methods and thus sheds light on their performance, security, and privacy tradeoffs. Also, it helps users choose the DID Method that best suits their needs.
Highlights of the Conversation in the IIW Episode
In the IIW Episode of the Rubric podcast, the following subjects were discussed.
Understanding Identity & SSI in the Course:
Kaliya shared about her new SSI course written with her business partner Lucy. The first half of the course on understanding identity in general before delving into the technologies around Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI). This framing is essential as SSI as an innovation would not make sense without understanding how identity functioned in the past.
Creation of a Wiki with Newsletter Information:
Kaliya also shared mentioned a grant from the Filecoin Foundation & Unfinished to pull two years of newsletter information into a wiki. The information has been compiled into a spreadsheet to create Jekyll pages. It supports knowledge discovery within the community.
Development and Standardization of DIDs:
DIDs (Decentralized Identifiers) is undergoing development, with a 1.0 version published. There’s a focus on standardizing various aspects like DID resolution and iteration of the DID course specification.
Emphasis on DID Resolution:
DID resolution, the process of turning a DID into its associated document, was identified as a key aspect needing more discussion. Standardizing this part of DIDs was considered an open and important question for the community.
Favorite DID Methods – Peer DIDs and DID Web:
The speakers discussed their favorite DID methods while highlighting Peer DIDs for peer-to-peer interaction. DID Web was mentioned as an interesting method, despite some concerns due to its dependence on the DNS system.
Challenges in Rotating the DID Itself:
The conversation raised an interesting question about rotating underlying keys for a DID and rotating the DID itself. This aspect of transitioning DIDs, from DID Web to another method was considered an unresolved challenge.
Shameless Plugs for Various Projects and Conferences:
The participants used the platform to promote various projects, like the “Pico” programming system, “did directory.com,” and the “Rebooting the Web of Trust” conference. These plugs showcased innovations, resources, and events within the DID community.
Identitywoman.net and Links to Resources:
I pointed to my URL, “identitywoman.net,” as a place to connect with my work and access resources like the book, newsletter, and hosting events. It’s presented as a hub for those interested in identity and related events.
Humor and Lighthearted Interaction:
The conversation was sprinkled with humorous and lighthearted moments, like comparing the hosts to the two old Muppets on the balcony. The element added a relaxed and engaging tone to the discussion and enhanced the listening experience.
To learn more about the podcast, click here.