Glossary of Identity & Web3 Terms
Key concepts explained in plain language so you can understand how they fit together.
Identity Concepts
Digital Credential
A cryptographically signed proof of identity or attribute (e.g., age, membership, NFT ownership). Anchored to a blockchain address and stored in your UbID Vault.
UbID Vault
A secure app where users store and manage their credentials. It works alongside your Web3 wallet, keeping identity and transactions separate.
Issuer / Holder / Verifier
The three roles in a verifiable credential ecosystem. The Issuer creates credentials, the Holder stores them, and the Verifier checks them.
Decentralized Identifier (DID)
A unique identity key anchored to a blockchain address. It replaces usernames and passwords with cryptographic proofs.
Verifiable Credential (VC)
A digital credential issued by a trusted entity, cryptographically signed, and verifiable by apps or institutions.
Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP)
A method to prove something is true without revealing the underlying details. Example: prove you're over 18 without sharing your birthdate.
Standards & Protocols
OID4VC
OpenID for Verifiable Credentials — a global standard for issuing and verifying credentials in a secure, interoperable way.
SD-JWT
Selective Disclosure JSON Web Token — a credential format that lets users share only the attributes they choose.
Blockchain Concepts
Blockchain Address
A unique identifier on a blockchain (e.g., Stacks or Bitcoin address). UbID credentials are anchored to these addresses for traceability.
Wallet
A tool for signing transactions and managing assets. With UbID, wallets never expose identity data — they only sign transactions once credentials are verified.
dApp
Decentralized Application — an application built on blockchain. dApps can request credentials from UbID Vault to verify identity without accessing wallets.
DAO
Decentralized Autonomous Organization — a blockchain-based community that often requires identity checks to prevent bot voting or Sybil attacks.
NFT
Non-Fungible Token — a unique digital asset. UbID credentials can prove ownership without exposing wallet history.
Compliance & Governance
Trust Framework
A set of rules and standards that define how credentials are issued, verified, and revoked. Ensures interoperability and compliance.
Revocation
The process of marking a credential invalid. Verifier apps automatically reject revoked credentials.
Compliance Standards
UbID supports GDPR, eIDAS 2.0, and the Travel Rule, ensuring institutions meet global regulatory requirements.