W3C publishes draft update to verifiable credentials standard
A new draft from the World Wide Web Consortium outlines updates to how digital credentials, such as diplomas or IDs, can be securely issued and verified online.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has published a First Public Working Draft of the Verifiable Credentials Data Model v2.1, updating its framework for digital credentials.
Verifiable credentials are a way to represent information digitally, such as a driver’s licence, diploma, or professional certificate, that can be shared and verified online. The standard defines how this information is structured so that it can be trusted and used across different systems.
The model is based on a three-part system. An issuer creates the credential, a holder stores it, and a verifier checks its validity. The specification describes how these roles interact and how credentials can be exchanged securely.
A key aspect of the standard is ensuring that credentials cannot be altered without detection. It outlines methods for protecting data integrity and verifying authenticity, which are important for preventing fraud.
The draft also includes guidance on privacy and security. It considers how users can share only the necessary information, rather than full documents, and how systems can be designed to reduce risks related to data exposure.
In addition, the specification addresses issues such as accessibility and international use, aiming to support different languages, jurisdictions, and technical environments.
As a working draft, the document is an early stage in the standardisation process and is open to feedback and further development.
