Identifier

Full Title or Meme

An identifier is basically a name that is assigned to a digital Entity or even to a single digital interchange (like a session ID or cookie).

Context

In this context all Identifiers apply only to digital entities which includes data base entries, like User Objects. Real world names are considered to be merely Attributes.

Problems

• There is a very real confusion in the real-world as to the meaning of terms used in Identity Management.
• Lots of the energy spent by philosophers revolves around verbalism, or arguing about the meaning of words.
• The page on Knowledge discusses these problems in more detail.

Solutions

This wiki seeks to have a common understanding. So terms are given more precise meaning in order that the statements made here can be more logically precise.

• Atrificial Identifier
• Biometric Identifier
• Decentralized ID - aka the did is designed to support user creating and disabling of multiple Identifiers.
• Digital object identifier
• Distributed ID - this is designed to allow the distribute of User Information or Attributes across multiple sites.
• Fake Identifier
• Medical Records Identifier
• Pairwise Identifier - is used when tracking of a Subject between different Relying Parties is required.
• Personal Identifier
• Pseudonym
• Real Identifier
• Self-issued Identifier
• Subject ID
• Tribal Identifier
• Trusted Identifier
• URI
• URL
• URN
• Web Site Identity
• X.509 Certificate is a format that holds a Distinguished name, which is the actual Identifier.

These should all be testable on at least one of:

• Identifier or Attribute Provider
• Certificate Authority
• Universal Resolver
• Trusted Resolver