did:prism

PRISM DID Method is a decentralized identifier protocol built on the Cardano blockchain that enables the creation and management of decentralized identifiers. The method provides a flexible architecture for managing digital identities while leveraging the security and immutability of the Cardano network.

Key features include:

• Blockchain-anchored operations using Cardano mainnet
• Two DID formats:
  • Short form (blockchain-anchored)
  • Long form (can be used without blockchain interaction)
• Comprehensive key management supporting multiple cryptographic curves:
  • secp256k1
  • Ed25519
  • X25519
• Flexible service endpoints with support for:
  • DIDComm Messaging
  • Linked Domains
  • Custom service types

The method operates through PRISM nodes that process operations and maintain the state of DIDs. Users can either run their own node or rely on trusted providers.

Technical Implementation:

1. DID Generation and Structure

• DIDs follow the pattern: did:prism:<initial-hash>[:<encoded-state>]
• Initial hash is derived from the creation operation
• Encoded state is optional for long-form DIDs
• Uses Protocol Buffers for data serialization

2. Resolution Process

• PRISM nodes maintain internal state maps
• Support both short and long-form resolution
• Provides DID Document and Metadata output
• Uses SECURE_DEPTH (112 blocks) for transaction finality

3. Key Management Features

• Multiple key types supported via JsonWebKey2020
• Verification relationships:
  • Authentication
  • Key Agreement
  • Assertion
  • Capability Invocation
  • Capability Delegation
• Master keys for operation signing

4. Security Model

• Relies on Cardano blockchain security
• Cryptographic signatures for all operations
• Hash-chained operations prevent replay attacks
• Protocol versioning system for updates
• Secure depth mechanism prevents rollbacks

5. Technology Stack

• Built on Cardano blockchain
• Uses Protocol Buffers (version 3)
• Implements W3C DID Core specification
• Supports JSON-LD contexts
• Uses SHA-256 for hashing