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Has the self-sovereign identity (SSI) movement strayed from its original values? Are we witnessing the centralization of digital identity under the guise of decentralization?

In this compelling episode of The SSI Orbit Podcast, host Mathieu Glaude sits down with Christopher Allen, a pioneering figure in cryptography, decentralized identity, and internet security. Together, they unpack the troubling trends that suggest the SSI ecosystem may be drifting away from its foundational principles and toward a model that ultimately serves governments and corporations rather than individuals.

Christopher shares his deep industry experience, from co-authoring SSL/TLS, which secures the internet today, to leading the development of decentralized identity standards. He discusses how the early promises of user empowerment in digital identity have been eroded by the realities of commercialization, government control, and the re-centralization of power. He also reflects on lessons from history—how identity systems have been weaponized in past regimes—and warns of similar risks emerging in today’s digital landscape.

Listeners will gain valuable insights, including:

• Why self-sovereign identity is at risk of losing its core principles.
• The battle between centralized, federated, and decentralized identity models.
• How governments and corporations are shaping the future of digital identity—and what that means for personal freedom.
• The role of cryptography, agency law, and open-source governance in ensuring user control.
• Strategies to build identity systems that enhance, rather than diminish, human rights.

If you care about privacy, autonomy, and the future of digital identity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on whether SSI is still on the right path—or if it’s time to course-correct before it’s too late.

Key Insights

• Self-sovereign identity (SSI) is at risk of losing its core principles. The push for adoption has led to compromises that favor convenience over decentralization.
• Re-centralization is happening under the guise of decentralization. Many so-called decentralized identity systems are, in practice, reinforcing centralized control by large tech companies and governments.
• The history of identity systems offers cautionary lessons. Examples from WWII show how identity registries can be weaponized when power shifts, underscoring the need for careful design.
• Privacy is not just about secrecy—it’s about preventing coercion. The loss of privacy leads to increased control over individuals, limiting freedoms in both physical and digital spaces.
• Agency law could offer a better framework for digital identity. Instead of treating identity as property or a contractual right, framing it in terms of delegated authority could offer stronger protections.
• Digital identity is increasingly being tied to state and corporate control. The dominance of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and national ID systems reflects a shift toward government-mandated identity verification.
• The digital world is reducing nuanced trust into binary decisions. Humans naturally operate with progressive trust, but current digital identity models enforce an all-or-nothing trust system.
• Open-source projects and public commons need better governance. The SSI community could learn from Ostrom’s principles for managing shared resources to prevent power concentration.

Strategies

• Re-examine and strengthen the core principles of SSI. The industry must revisit and update the 10 principles of self-sovereign identity to ensure they remain aligned with human rights and decentralization goals.
• Shift from privacy laws to anti-coercion laws. Rather than focusing on ownership of data, laws should be framed around preventing coercion and digital control.
• Leverage agency law for digital identity protections. Treating identity as an extension of individual authority rather than a property right could improve legal protections.
• Develop better frameworks for progressive trust. Digital identity systems should allow for more nuanced levels of trust rather than binary authentication models.
• Push for open-source development beyond just open-source code. True decentralization requires open governance and collaboration in decision-making, not just publicly accessible software.

Process

• Elinor Ostrom’s principles for governing the commons:
  • Clearly define boundaries and participants.
  • Ensure proportional cost-sharing.
  • Establish inclusive decision-making processes.
  • Adapt governance to local conditions.
  • Enforce accountability and conflict resolution mechanisms.
  • Recognize the nested nature of different governance systems.