📄ME ID Identity Credentials

In the design system of the ME ID Protocol, each ME ID identity is identified by a unique Decentralized Identifier (DID), with each identity associated with N number of verifiable identity proofs. These identity proofs come in two forms: the VC form of W3C DID and the fully public on-chain Soulbound[1] Token (SBT).

Soulbound, proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2022, aims to store identity data in a secure, non-transferable, and non-tradeable manner. SBTs have more potential for digital identity than NFTs.

For example, users who complete KYC verification will receive a public SBT bound to their wallet address. This SBT solely represents that the address has passed KYC verification and confirms that the user is unique and not associated with any other addresses. It serves only as a Proof of Personhood (PoP) without revealing any other identity information of the user.

This PoP is entirely public, and in the economic model of ME Network, it can directly airdrop related staking profits to the wallet address corresponding to this PoP. Other businesses can also directly grant corresponding rights to users through this address.

Additionally, users can receive a VC, a Verifiable Credential that includes user information such as age and gender. These credentials can be used in DApps that require verification of user identity information. When using, users need to actively submit VC information and send it to the DApp after signing. This means that before the user submits it, the DApp does not know who owns the VC or the information it contains.

In the issuance and verification process of VCs, Issuers can employ zero-knowledge proof technology based on Merkle trees with assertions. This allows for the verification of user identity while protecting their privacy. For example, users can simply show proof that they are over 18 years old without having to provide their specific birthday or the full VC of their identity document.

---

[1] Vitalik Buterin. Soulbound. 2022 https://vitalik.ca/general/2022/01/26/soulbound.html