Inspired by
http://www.w3.org/DesignIssues/LinkedData.html
http://lab.linkeddata.deri.ie/2010/lod-badges/
http://www.identityblog.com/wp-content/images/2009/06/7_Laws_of_Identity.jpg
http://5stardata.info/
I present the 5 stars of web identity:
1 Star — On the Web
===================
It’s easy for us today, to think that everyone, is on the Web. But
the fact remains that in 2012, 5 billion people on the planet, do not
have Web access. One giant star should be awarded, for getting people
a Web presence, of any kind. Our primary goal should be, to allow
access to the digital revolution, for everyone on the planet, that
wants it.
2 Stars — Identity Context
======================
The second star is awarded, if data is presented in a structured,
machine readable, format. The identifier should have a context
associated with it. Identity needs to be distinguished between, for
example, a home page, an email address, a telephone number, a
certificate, or a name. The mechanism to add this context on the web
is the Universal Resource Identifier (URI). Using URIs to identify
things, is the value proposition of the Web, and the single most
important factor in its continued evolution.
3 Stars — Structured Data
======================
Having a contextual Identity on the Web is a great start. But it
becomes that much more useful, when combined with structured data.
For example, your profile page may display your avatar, or your email
signature may display your public key. Alternatively, an identity may
be linked to a provider, that can verify, the user’s authenticity.
This principle of linking structured data together, is what transforms
the Web, from a static document, to a vibrant landscape, and is the
building block for sign-in, across the Web. For encouraging
structured data, you receive the third Star.
4 Stars — Verified Identity
======================
The fourth star allows the ability to sign in, on the Web. Through
the analysis of structured data, it is possible to verify Identity.
This is often done through a trusted third party, sometimes with a
password, or in some cases, directly using some form of secure hand
shaking. Authenticating an identity, allows anything from posting a
status update, to online banking. A smooth sign-in experience is key
to the evolution of the web.
5 Stars — Best Practices
=====================
The fifth and final star goes to following industry best practices.
This includes ensuring that Identity is secure, data protection is
adhered to and access to data is correctly controlled. Validation, or
in some cases, certification tests, must be passed. Additionally, the human
computer interaction, should provide the best possible user experience.
While systems may vary, the goals of identification, authentication
and authorization, are common to everyone that works in the identity
space, and good solutions beneficial to all.
Conclusion
==========
Inspired by some of the great thinking that has come before me, I’ve
hopefully presented a common sense approach to identity on the Web.
Over the past decade the identity space has seen a great deal of
progress. But at the same time, in the excitement of bringing new
technology, to a wider audience, it has become fractured.
It is sometimes valuable to step back and look at the big picture. All
identity communities have common goals. I hope that these five
principles can bring groups together, both to see where they are on
the scale, and work together, in order to help make the Web, realize
it’s full potential.
