Approach to Identity
WayID takes a hybrid approach to identity verification, combining traditional electronic identity (eID) solutions with modern proof-of-humanity and self-sovereign identity (SSI) concepts.
Design principles
Section titled “Design principles”Privacy-first
Section titled “Privacy-first”WayID never stores or shares personal data. All identity verification is performed using privacy-preserving techniques:
- Zero-knowledge proofs — Prove facts about your identity (e.g. “I am a real person” or “I am over 18”) without revealing the underlying data.
- Selective disclosure — You choose exactly which attributes to share in any given context. A consumer checking your agent’s certificate learns that your identity is verified, not who you are.
No central identity store
Section titled “No central identity store”WayID does not maintain a database of user identities. Verification results are cryptographically attested and anchored to your account, but the raw identity data is never transmitted to or stored by WayID.
Multiple verification paths
Section titled “Multiple verification paths”Different use cases require different levels of assurance. WayID supports a range of identity verification methods, from lightweight proof-of-humanity checks to government-backed eID verification, so owners can choose the level that fits their needs.
Traditional eID vs. self-sovereign identity
Section titled “Traditional eID vs. self-sovereign identity”| Traditional eID | Self-sovereign / PoH | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Government or regulated institution | Decentralized protocol |
| Assurance level | High — backed by official documents | Medium — backed by cryptographic proof |
| Privacy | Selective disclosure via WayID | Zero-knowledge by default |
| Examples | National ID, BankID, eIDAS | Concordium, World ID, Self |
WayID treats both paths as first-class verification methods. They contribute differently to trust scores, reflecting their different assurance levels.
Why both?
Section titled “Why both?”Not everyone has access to government-issued eID, and not every use case requires that level of assurance. By supporting both traditional and decentralized identity methods, WayID enables:
- Global accessibility — Proof-of-humanity methods work regardless of nationality or government infrastructure.
- Graduated trust — Owners can start with a lightweight verification and upgrade to stronger methods over time.
- Regulatory compatibility — For use cases that require formal identity assurance, eID verification meets regulatory standards.