Does Sovrin Network Offer Sovereign Identity?

Abstract

The Sovrin Network is an emerging public service utility based on the Self-Sovereign Identity standard aimed at providing sovereign digital identity for all. However, sovereignty is independence with regard to liberty of action, therefore, any sovereign identity should offer similar liberty to its users. Consequently, it is important to understand the meaning of sovereignty in terms of digital identity and what advantages there are for users in terms of its control, through utilisation of the sovereign identity provided by the Sovrin Network. This paper examines the questions, what does sovereignty mean in terms of digital identity and does the Sovrin Network offer sovereign identity. To understand the meaning of sovereignty, this paper assesses sovereignty in different contexts such as in the real world, cyberspace and digital identity. Following a discussion on the meaning of sovereignty in different contexts, an analysis of the type of digital identity provided by the Sovrin Network and the type of sovereignty is performed. Furthermore, it discusses the possible constraints on sovereignty of the Sovrin Network.