Polygon researchers have announced a significant milestone in the world of identity infrastructure with Polygon ID Release 4.
This latest update brings many new tools and significant technical upgrades designed to facilitate seamless integration of Polygon ID modules into developer projects. This ecosystem’s core is the principle of self-sovereign identity and privacy by default, ensuring trusted and secure relationships between applications and users.
Polygon ID’s Key Concepts
Polygon ID operates on the foundation of Decentralized Identitiers (DID) which are unique placeholders used to identify users. Every piece of information related to an identity is represented by Verifiable Credentials (VCs) that are based on data about an identity’s person, enterprise, or object.
VCs can represent various information, ranging from simple attributes like age to more complex credentials, such as membership certificates issued by DAOs.
The Polygon ID architecture is built on the Triangle of Trust framework which comprises three essential entities:
- Identity Holder: An entity that holds claims in its wallet and generates zero-knowledge proofs of the VCs issued to them. These proofs are then presented to the Verifier for verification, ensuring authenticity and fulfilling specific criteria.
- Issuer: Entities, either individuals or organizations, that issue VCs to Identity Holders. VCs are cryptographically signed by the Issuer, and every VC originates from a specific Issuer.
- Verifier: Responsible for verifying the proofs presented by Identity Holders. The Verifier requests the Holder to provide proofs based on the VCs stored in their wallet. During verification, the Verifier performs checks, such as validating the VC’s signature by the expected Issuer and ensuring that the VC meets the Verifier’s criteria.
Trust is a core concept in Polygon ID, as the information contained within VCs is cryptographically verifiable but not necessarily guaranteed to be true. Verifiers must trust reputable Issuers to consume the VCs they originate.
Polygon ID leverages the power of zero-knowledge proofs to enable users to prove their identity without compromising their private information. This approach ensures privacy by default and upholds the principles of Freedom of Expression.
Polygon ID Release 4 Features
Polygon ID Release 4 brings an array of exciting tools and upgrades, enriching the developer experience and expanding the platform’s capabilities.
The first tool to explore is the Schema Builder, a user-friendly interface that allows developers to effortlessly create and manage credentials while promoting standardization and ecosystem interoperability. By leveraging this tool, developers can publish schemas to the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), ensuring the credibility and immutability of credentials across the entire ecosystem.
Next up is the Explore Query Builder, an upgraded feature that empowers developers to create dynamic queries that can be answered with zero-knowledge proofs.
Additionally, the Release 4 introduces a new version of the Beta JS-SDK, which offers Java Script Libraries for creating client applications with issuer, wallet, and verifier functionalities.
In line with its commitment to supporting developers, Polygon ID is launching a new Developers Portal. This comprehensive portal will provide improved guides, technical documentation, and knowledge databases to empower developers in building dApps with ease.
With these exciting new tools and upgrades in Release 4, Polygon ID is poised to take its identity infrastructure to new heights, offering developers and users alike a cutting-edge and secure platform for their decentralized applications.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Polygon ID has evolved into a thriving ecosystem, driving innovation in many projects. Issuers, wallets, verifiers, system integrators, and trusted networks leverage Polygon ID tools to create secure and trusted relationships.
As Polygon ID continues to evolve, Polygon Labs remains dedicated to advancing certain identity interactions and fostering a cohesive and trustworthy ecosystem. Polygon ID Release 4 is just one step in this ongoing journey toward an inclusive and safe identity infrastructure.
