The Self-Asserted Certified Identity (SACI) framework broadens the concept of digital identity by embracing a wide spectrum of Certificate Authorities (CAs), from governmental bodies to individual entities. This diversity enables SACI to offer a flexible and inclusive model for credential certification, catering to varied contexts and requirements. Below is a comparative analysis highlighting the unique attributes and diversity of CAs within SACI, juxtaposed against the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, and extended to include the SACI with Escrow & Access Regulation.
| Aspect | Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) | Self-Asserted Certified Identity (SACI) | SACI with Escrow & Access Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | A digital identity model where individuals or organizations have sole ownership and control over their identity and personal data. | A model where individuals generate their own identity credentials and seek certification from a diverse range of CAs, including government authorities, organizations, or individuals, to attest to their authenticity. | SACI model enhanced with Escrow services for secure storage and Access Regulators to oversee and control access to identity credentials. |
| Credential Issuance | Credentials are issued by trusted entities or issuers. The issuer verifies the owner's information and issues a digital credential. | The identity owner generates their own credentials, which are then certified by a diverse range of CAs. | Identical to SACI, with the added option for credentials to be stored with an Escrow service for secure and regulated access. |
| Control | Complete control by the identity owner over their identity credentials, including what to share and with whom. | The identity owner has control over generating credentials and selecting CAs for certification, emphasizing an individual-centric approach. | The identity owner controls credential generation, CA selection, and the conditions under which stored credentials can be accessed via Escrow. |
| Trust Model | Relies on decentralized trust frameworks where trust is established through cryptographic verification of credentials by recognized entities within the system. | Combines self-assertion with certification by a diverse range of CAs, potentially incorporating decentralized certification processes for broader acceptance. | In addition to SACI's model, incorporates trusted Escrow services for credential storage and Access Regulators to ensure access under agreed conditions. |
| Verification | Verification of credentials is achieved through cryptographic proofs, without necessarily revealing underlying personal data. | Credentials are verified through CA endorsement. This model can also incorporate decentralized verification mechanisms. | Credentials are verified through CA endorsement and further protected through Escrow storage. Access Regulators oversee and enforce access conditions. |
| Pros | - Enhances privacy and data control. - Reduces dependency on centralized authorities. - Facilitates portable and interoperable digital identities. |
- Provides flexibility in credential generation and certification. - Enhances individual autonomy by allowing choice among a wide range of CAs. - Can be adapted to decentralized certification processes. |
- Adds security and regulated access to credentials. - Offers structured management and monitoring of access to identity information. |
| Cons | - Adoption challenges due to reliance on widespread trust in the decentralized model. - Potential complexity in managing and understanding credentials securely. |
- Dependency on the recognition and trustworthiness of CAs, which might introduce variability in credential value. - Possible costs associated with obtaining certification from a diverse range of CAs. |
- Complexity in setting up and managing relationships with CAs,
Escrow services, and Access Regulators. - Potential additional costs for services. |
The SACI framework, with its inclusive approach to credential certification and its adaptability through optional Escrow and Access Regulation services, offers a comprehensive and flexible solution to digital identity management. By accommodating a wide variety of Certificate Authorities and providing mechanisms for secure, regulated access to identity credentials, SACI enhances user autonomy, security, and privacy. This comparison highlights the unique strengths and considerations of both SSI and SACI models, underscoring SACI's potential to cater to diverse identity verification needs across different sectors and contexts.