The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is developing Verifiable Credential Barcodes, an open technology intended to help protect physical documents by enabling real-time revocation of credentials. The group says the approach is designed for public use and is free to adopt.
In a press release, the W3C pointed to reports that data theft exposed approximately 160 million drivers’ licenses in the United States and Canada. It warned that stolen identity information could be used to impersonate victims, and said real-time revocation is needed to help address that risk.
The technology is being developed by the W3C Verifiable Credentials Working Group. The consortium says it is already protecting millions of people from identity theft and fraud, with the potential to protect many more. Its stated aim is to inform government organizations and policymakers about the open solution under development.
Sources: W3C News.