Eliidi

Eliidi is a term used in discussions of digital identity to describe a framework for cross-platform verification of personal identifiers that emphasizes user control, privacy, and data minimization. In its usage, eliidi denotes a set of principles and mechanisms aimed at authenticating identity while limiting the amount of personal data exposed to services.

The exact origin of the term is unclear; it emerged in academic and policy discussions during the mid-2010s as researchers explored universal digital credentials and portable identity systems. It is sometimes treated as a generic label for several related approaches rather than a single standard.

Core concepts associated with eliidi include cryptographic attestations, verifiable credentials, and selective disclosure. Systems described as eliidi typically allow a user to prove attributes (such as age or authorization) without revealing full data. Implementations may be centralized or use distributed architectures, and commonly incorporate privacy-preserving techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs and minimal data exposure protocols.

Applications are proposed across public and private sectors, including e-government services, banking, healthcare, and education. Pilot programs and policy discussions reference eliidi as part of broader efforts to modernize identity infrastructure while reducing data collection and surveillance risk.

Reception has been mixed. Proponents argue that eliidi can improve security and privacy and support user autonomy. Critics warn of governance fragmentation, interoperability challenges, potential vendor lock-in, and the risk that even privacy-preserving designs may enable surveillance if misused. Standardization efforts remain incomplete.

See also: digital identity, verifiable credentials, self-sovereign identity, data minimization, privacy-enhancing technologies.