What Are Verifiable Credentials?

The Verifiable Credentials (VC) specification is a W3C Recommendation that defines how to represent digital credentials in a standardized way. VCs can be used to represent various kinds of information including identity information, professional qualifications, financial records, and membership in organizations.

The goal of the VC specification is to enable credential issuers to digitally sign credentials using standard cryptographic algorithms, and for credential holders to prove the contents of their credentials to third parties in a privacy-preserving way. 

Who Needs Verifiable Credentials?

There are many use cases for Verifiable Credentials, but they are particularly well-suited for situations where someone needs to prove their identity or qualifications. For example, job applicants can use them to share their educational qualifications and work history with potential employers, while students can use them to share their grades and test scores with colleges and universities.

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Credentials can also be useful in other situations where people need to prove their identity, such as when applying for a loan or renting an apartment. In the future, we expect that verifiable credentials will become increasingly important as we move towards a world where more and more of our interactions are taking place online.

Why Do I Need to Get Verified?

There are many benefits to getting your credentials verified. By having your qualifications checked and approved by a third party, you can be sure that potential employers or education providers will recognize and accept them. 

This process also allows you to have greater control over how your personal information is shared, ensuring that it is only seen by those who need to see it.