Verifiable Credentials
Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are a digital standard for representing claims about an entity (e.g., a person, organization, or thing) in a way that is cryptographically secure, privacy-preserving, and machine-verifiable. They enable the issuance, storage, and presentation of credentials such as diplomas, licenses, or identity documents without relying on centralized authorities. This technology is foundational to decentralized identity systems, allowing users to control their own data and share it selectively.
Developers should learn Verifiable Credentials when building applications that require secure, interoperable identity verification, such as in digital identity platforms, credentialing systems, or decentralized applications (dApps). It is particularly useful in scenarios like self-sovereign identity (SSI), where users need to prove attributes (e.g., age or qualifications) without revealing unnecessary personal information, enhancing privacy and reducing fraud. Adoption is growing in sectors like finance, healthcare, and education for trust and compliance.