The Self-Asserted Certified Identity (SACI) framework's allowance for individuals to generate multiple identities presents significant advantages, especially in comparison to Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) systems where the compromise of a single identity could have broader implications. This feature of SACI enhances flexibility, security, and privacy for users in several ways:
By enabling users to create and manage multiple identities for different contexts or purposes (e.g., professional, personal, social), SACI inherently compartmentalizes risk. If one identity is compromised, the damage is contained to that specific identity, reducing the risk of a single point of failure that could otherwise compromise the user's entire digital presence.
Multiple identities allow users to control the amount and type of information they share in various contexts, thereby enhancing privacy. For example, a user might choose to separate their professional identity from their personal social media identity, sharing relevant information with each audience without unnecessary overlap. This separation helps in minimizing data exposure and maintaining privacy across different spheres of life.
In the event of a compromise, having multiple identities means that the impact is limited to just one identity. The user can more easily recover by revoking or abandoning the compromised identity and continuing to use their other, uncompromised identities. This is simpler than trying to recover or secure a single identity that is linked to all aspects of their digital life.
SACI’s structure supports selective disclosure, allowing users to reveal only the information necessary for a particular interaction or transaction. Users can tailor multiple identities to specific roles or functions, enhancing personal control over how they are perceived and what information is accessible in various contexts.
The ability to create multiple identities makes the SACI framework more adaptable to changes and resilient to attacks. Users can modify their identity usage based on evolving privacy needs, threats, or the specific requirements of different platforms and services, thereby ensuring continuity and security of their digital interactions.
By using separate identities for different activities, users can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted linkage between disparate aspects of their lives. This separation helps in mitigating the risk of comprehensive profiling by third parties, contributing to both privacy and security.
While the SACI framework offers these advantages with its support for multiple identities, it's essential to manage these identities wisely to avoid complexity and confusion. Proper management tools and practices must be in place to help users navigate their identities efficiently, maximizing the benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.