Self-Issued OpenID Provider v2 extends OpenID Connect by enabling end-users to control their own identity provider rather than relying on third-party providers. This fundamental shift allows users to authenticate themselves using self-issued ID tokens and present self-attested claims directly to relying parties.
The key innovation is that the end-user becomes the issuer of identity information, rather than delegating this role to a traditional OpenID Provider. A Self-Issued OP can operate entirely on a user's device, utilize cloud components, or run completely in the cloud - the crucial aspect is that the end-user maintains control over their identifiers and claims.
Key capabilities include:
- Self-authentication using cryptographically verifiable identifiers
- Presentation of self-attested claims
- Support for verifiable credentials from trusted third parties
- Cross-device authentication flows
- Selective disclosure and unlinkable presentations
Technical Details:
- Purpose and Scope:
- Extends OpenID Connect Core with self-issued provider capabilities
- Defines mechanisms for RP-SIOP discovery and interaction
- Establishes protocols for self-issued ID token validation
- Supports both same-device and cross-device flows
- Key Technical Specifications:
- Uses
JWT
format for ID tokens
- Supports multiple Subject Syntax Types:
JWK Thumbprint
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
- Implements Authorization Code and Implicit flows
- Requires
TLS
for all communications
- Implementation Requirements:
- Must support the
openid
scope
- Must implement specified ID token validation rules
- Must handle both static and dynamic metadata discovery
- Must support specified cryptographic algorithms:
- Security Considerations:
- Enforces nonce validation for replay protection
- Requires
TLS
certificate validation
- Implements strict ID token validation rules
- Provides mechanisms for metadata integrity protection
- Addresses cross-device authentication risks
- Interoperability Features:
- Compatible with existing OpenID Connect implementations
- Supports multiple credential formats
- Enables integration with Verifiable Credentials
- Provides standardized metadata discovery
- Current Adoption Status:
- Supported by major identity platforms
- Being integrated into digital wallet implementations
- Used in decentralized identity solutions
- Gaining adoption in self-sovereign identity systems
The standard represents a significant evolution in digital identity by enabling true user control while maintaining compatibility with existing identity infrastructure.