Constructing robust digital identity infrastructure for future networked society

Abstract

Identity fraud has become one of major concerns for broad communities. The new information era needs a new digital identity infrastructure to support next generation Internet. This article suggests a hierarchical structure for digital identities. We define and classify all digital identities into three broad categories: Object, People and Organization. This paper is the first to systematically address the classification of digital identities. More and more individuals and communities heavily rely on the network. Many countries are trying their own digital identity initiatives, like E-passport, national smart card, etc. This article intends to initiate a discussion on a universal digital identity infrastructure for our future. We believe that in the near future all paper-based identities will be replaced by digital identities. A robust digital identity infrastructure will take a vital role in the future information age.