Florie Mazzorana
Decentralized Digital Identities (DDIs) are poised to replace current national credentials. Based on blockchain technology, these new frameworks intend to take on a wide range of functions, among others: remote identification on the internet, self-control over personal data and marketing, standardization of travel passports, electronic voting, certification of school graduation, address for digital currencies and other activities and legal documents linked to our common social lives. DDIs are a revolution that has many advantages. By simplifying and securely keeping identity records around the world, they reduce the risk of losing proof of citizenship, increase the economic potential of many services and jobs, and can greatly simplify access to social life. However, DDIs are likely to escape the control of national democracies. They can also make individuals more vulnerable to powerful foreign states and private groups as these may require them to disclose a lot of personal information in order to access services or territories. Moreover, because they merge physical and digital existences, digital identities also multiply the means of controlling and tracing people, equating them with objects and products, which also raises ethical questions.