Verifiable Data Registry
A Verifiable Data Registry (VDR) is an enabling technology for digital credentials.
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Introduction
A key feature of digital credentials is privacy. People can use their digital credentials without a government knowing where, when or how they are using them. And those who receive digital credentials’ information can confirm their authenticity without contacting the issuers of those credentials.
All this is made possible by a verifiable data registry.
What it contains
A verifiable data registry is a digital ledger containing data like:
- Information on issuers of a digital credential
- Information on any digital credentials that have been revoked
- Details of the types of digital credentials available.
The contents of the verifiable data registry are public and the code for the verifiable data registry itself is also public.
What it doesn’t contain
The verifiable data registry does not contain:
- The actual content of any digital credentials
- People’s personal information
- Details of transactions using digital credentials
Why it’s needed
B.C. contributes to the running of a verifiable data registry so we can explore digital credentials further. Other Canadian jurisdictions also contribute to the running of the same verifiable data registry, making it more cost-efficient and easier for different digital credentials to work together in the future.
The verifiable data registry is an example of our efforts to improve people’s privacy in the digital world and to give people more control over their personal information.
Before you can issue digital credentials, you first need to put some basic information on the verifiable data registry. The Digital Trust team can help you with this process.
Next steps
- Explore digital credential solutions for your government team
- Contact the Digital Trust team with your technical questions