The Decentralized Identifier Working Group has published a First Public Working Draft of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.0. Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are a new type of identifier for verifiable, decentralized digital identity. These new identifiers
are designed to enable the controller of a DID to prove control over
it and to be implemented independently of any centralized registry,
identity provider, or certificate authority. DIDs are URLs that relate
a DID subject to means for trustable interactions with that subject by way
of a DID document. DID documents are simple documents that describe how
to use that specific DID. Each DID document may express cryptographic
material, verification methods, and/or service endpoints. These provide
a set of mechanisms which enable a DID controller to prove control of the DID. Service endpoints enable trusted interactions with the DID subject.

This document specifies a common data model, a URL format, and a set of operations for DIDs, DID documents, and DID methods.

Original source: https://www.w3.org/blog/news/archives/8032