We introduced an architecture and protocols for distributed identity management to enable secure data sharing between different permissioned blockchain networks, facilitating interoperability. By using W3C standardized decentralized identity (DID) registries and verifiable credentials (VC), blockchain networks can dynamically authenticate participants without pre-established affiliations. The solution, implemented with Hyperledger Indy and Aries, is demonstrated by linking trade finance and logistics networks on Hyperledger Fabric, showcasing its impact in facilitating seamless and scalable blockchain interoperation.
Key Contributions
- Identity Management for Enabling Permissioned Blockchain Interoperation: Exchange of identities is essential for permissioned blockchains to interoperate securely without intermediaries. We introduce the architecture and protocols to facilitate this exchange of identities in a distributed trust setting.
- Separation of Identity and Data Planes: We decoupled identity verification from data sharing for enabling exchange of identities prior to data interoperation.
- Trust Without Centralized Authorities: Uses distributed identity (DID), DID registries, and Verifiable Credentials to verify blockchain network memberships while preserving decentralization.
- Dynamic Membership Syncing: Ensures real-time participant verification, preventing unauthorized access.
- Privacy-Preserving & Blockchain-Agnostic: Supports selective identity disclosure and works across different blockchain architectures.
- Proven Real-World Impact: Demonstrated by linking trade finance and logistics networks using Hyperledger Indy, Aries, and Fabric.
Publications
- Bishakh Chandra Ghosh, Venkatraman Ramakrishna, Chander Govindarajan, Dushyant Behl, Dileban Karunamoorthy, Ermyas Abebe, and Sandip Chakraborty. "Decentralized cross-network identity management for blockchain interoperation." In 2021 IEEE International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC), pp. 1-9. IEEE, 2021.