Glossary

Get clear, concise definitions of key terms in decentralized identity and verifiable credentials with the Indicio Glossary—your go-to resource for understanding the Proven platform and ecosystem.

AnonCreds

A privacy-preserving credential format that enables selective disclosure, allowing users to share only the information needed without revealing everything on a credential.

Decentralized Ecosystem Governance (DEGov)

A governance model—based on a DIF standard—that defines machine-readable rules and policies for credential ecosystems, allowing systems to self-update without third-party arbitration; supported by Indicio Proven's “Governance Wizard.”

Digital Travel Credential

An ICAO-standardized digital representation of a traveler’s passport that can be securely stored and presented via a mobile device.

Digital Wallet

An application that stores, manages, and presents verifiable credentials securely, typically installed on a mobile device.

DIDComm

A secure messaging protocol that allows identity agents (wallets, issuers, verifiers, mediators) to communicate directly and privately using DIDs.

Distributed Ledger

A decentralized database maintained by a network of nodes, ensuring transparency, immutability, and shared control over data.

Distributed Ledger Network

A professionally managed network of distributed ledgers, such as the Indicio Network, used for anchoring credentials and public identifiers (DIDs).

eIDAS

An EU regulation that governs electronic identification and trust services, enabling cross-border digital identity recognition across member states.

eUDI (European Unique Digital Identity)

A standardized digital identity framework under eIDAS 2.0 that includes support for verifiable credentials and wallet-based identity.

Holder

The individual or organization that receives, controls, and presents verifiable credentials using a secure wallet.

Holdr+

A robust and scalable mobile wallet developed by Indicio to enable secure credential storage, messaging, and presentation in decentralized systems.

Hyperledger Indy

An open-source, purpose-built distributed ledger designed for decentralized identity, enabling secure, privacy-respecting credential exchange.

Issuer

The trusted party or organization that creates and issues verifiable credentials to users (Holders).

JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data)

A machine-readable data format used for expressing credentials and DIDs in a structured, interoperable way.

Mediator

A service that supports mobile wallets in maintaining secure communication with issuers and verifiers when the wallet is offline or intermittently connected.

Mobile Driver’s Licence (mDL)

A digital version of a government-issued driver's license that can be presented and verified securely using a mobile device.

Open Badges

Digital credentials designed for education and training that use open standards to verify achievements and skills.

Open Source

Software with publicly available source code, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and contribute to its development.

Open Standards

Publicly available specifications (like W3C or DIF standards) that ensure interoperability and avoid vendor lock-in.

OpenID

A widely adopted authentication protocol that enables users to log in and share identity information securely across services.

OpenID4VCI (OpenID for Verifiable Credential Issuance)

A protocol that standardizes how verifiable credentials are issued using OpenID flows.

OpenID4VP (OpenID for Verifiable Presentations)

A protocol for presenting verifiable credentials in a secure, privacy-respecting way using OpenID-based interactions.

Protocol

A set of technical rules that govern how data is transmitted and understood between systems—such as how credentials are issued, verified, or messaged.

SD-JWT (Selective Disclosure JSON Web Token)

A credential format that enables selective disclosure and cryptographic privacy using JWT technology.

Verifiable Credential Schema

A flexible, reusable template that defines the structure and data fields for a specific type of verifiable credential.

Verifier

The party or system that checks the authenticity and integrity of a presented credential using established trust frameworks and cryptographic proofs.