First Public Working Draft: Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.1

The Decentralized Identifier Working Group has published a First Public Working Draft of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.1. This document specifies the DID syntax, a common data model, core properties, serialized representations, DID operations, and an explanation of the process of resolving DIDs to the resources that they represent.

Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are a new type of identifier that enables verifiable, decentralized digital identity. They may refer to any subject and have been designed so that they may be decoupled from centralized registries, identity providers, and certificate authorities, so as to enable the controller of a DID to prove control over it without requiring permission from any other party.