Passkeys and Verifiable Digital Credentials Overview

This technical report discusses the integration of verifiable digital credentials (VDCs) and passkeys in the context of secure digital identity management. It outlines the current global efforts by government entities to implement digital identity strategies, emphasizing the issuance of VDCs as a primary authentication method. The report details the characteristics of VDCs, which serve as electronic representations of identity attributes, and explains how they can be cryptographically verified. Additionally, it presents passkeys as a passwordless authentication mechanism designed to enhance security and user privacy. The document highlights the coexistence of VDCs and passkeys, addressing potential confusion regarding their roles in identity verification and online authentication. It also discusses best practices for utilizing these technologies effectively, ensuring compliance with various standards and regulations. The audience for this report includes government entities, policymakers, and organizations involved in digital identity solutions.