Digital identities are gaining more traction in today’s world and with that increasing number of technology experts are looking out to maintain identity privacy and security. As we are slowly transitioning into the new world of the internet – Web3, technologists want to achieve this goal on this decentralized online ecosystem that operates on the foundations of blockchain.
There are many rounds of discussions going on where experts throw in their opinions about the window of opportunities as well as confinements related to decentralized digital identities (DIDs). One of the interesting conversations that has emerged is the unique influencing factors for the choice of digital identity providers.
And no it is not only driven by technology itself. While it is the most obvious one, experts state that there are cultural as well as geographical aspects that propels the choice. Curious to know how they can possibly impact the selection of identity providers? Let’s dive in.
Trust and Reputation
Cultural attitudes towards privacy and data security vary from one part of the world to the other. Some cultures are more inclined to employ stringent data protection measures and establishment of trust.
In this case, identity providers with proven track records of protecting user information are preferred. For example, Germany thrives in a culture where data privacy is highly valued. Businesses and individuals alike, decentralized identity providers that come with a strong reputation for data security like the Deutsche Telekom’s ID Service.
On the contrary, other cultures may have different attitudes as they prefer to trust government-backed or even local identity providers. China is a perfect example of this notion where the consumers have trust on providers like WeChat Pay that are known for their ties with the government.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Geographical parameters such as internet penetration rates and infrastructure development impacts the accessibility of digital identity services. Regions with limited or restricted internet and underdeveloped infrastructure systems, the providers are required to adapt to serve the users.
For instance, in some rural parts of India that have limited accessibility of the internet, digital identity systems like Aadhar have been deployed for offline authentication. There are dedicated physical offices where users can submit their biometric data to allow the validation process and enable services linked to the identity system.
Cost and Affordability
Aside from culture and geographical factors, economical aspects also come into play for the selection of identity providers. In areas where cost considerations are nothing but paramount, businesses go for providers that deliver on affordability.
In developing countries such as Kenya, where affordability is crucial, there are many digital providers that tailor their services to be low-cost. For example, M-Pesa is a name that offers digital identity solutions at low rates to a wide range of users even to those who have limited financial resources.
Key Takeaways
As we have explored these unique factors aside from technology, it can be said that digital identity providers are making every effort to overcome the challenges that still persist in our world and stop unbound domination of decentralized identities (DIDs).
Nevertheless, the future looks promising as more and more providers are emerging to get over the norms that we know as of today. ProofEasy is another pioneering name that works with digital identity solutions for document transactions. Learn about them more on their website.
Decentralization is a concept familiar to many, and its significance in today's world is widely recognized. It's great to see this topic covered succinctly and effectively in this article. As a responsible Information Security Manager, I strongly advise securing your documents using decentralization or blockchain technology.