ToIP Trust Registry Query Protocol

The ToIP Trust Registry Query Protocol (TRQP) is a standardized protocol designed to enable consistent querying of trust registries across different digital ecosystems. Developed by the Trust Registry Task Force (TRTF) at the Trust Over IP (ToIP) Foundation, this protocol addresses the growing need for verifying authorized credential issuers and relying parties in digital identity systems.

The protocol provides a standardized way to query various types of trust registries, from traditional professional licensing bodies to modern blockchain networks. Its primary function is to allow systems to programmatically verify authorizations and credentials across different trust ecosystems. Version 2.0 introduces significant improvements in interoperability and query capabilities.

Key differentiators include:

• Unified query interface for diverse registry types
• Registry-of-registries capability
• Ecosystem-agnostic design
• Read-only query focus for security

Purpose and Scope:

• Enable programmatic trust registry queries
• Standardize access to authorization information
• Support cross-jurisdiction verification
• Facilitate digital trust decisions

Technical Specifications:

• RESTful API based on OpenAPI Specification 3.1.0
• Core query structure: entity X + authorization Y + ecosystem governance framework Z
• Supports multiple query types:
  • Authorization verification
  • Registry metadata retrieval
  • Inter-registry relationship queries

Implementation Requirements:

• Read-only access model
• REST endpoint implementation
• Support for standard query patterns
• Compliance with OpenAPI 3.1.0 specifications

Security Considerations:

• No write operations in current version
• Registry authority derived from governance
• Trust decisions remain with the querying party
• Separation of query protocol from trust establishment

Interoperability Features:

• Consistent query interface across different registry types
• Support for registry-of-registries relationships
• Extensible design for future protocol additions
• Compatibility with existing trust frameworks

Current Adoption Status:

Currently in Implementers Draft stage (V2.0)
Open for public feedback from implementers
Supported by ToIP Foundation members
Being evaluated for various digital trust ecosystems

The protocol is designed to evolve with future versions potentially supporting:

• DIDComm co-protocols
• ToIP Trust Spanning Protocol
• Create, update, and delete operations (if demanded)
• Additional underlying protocol specifications