ISDBC

ISDBC, the International Standards for Data and Blockchain Consortium, is a multistakeholder organization that develops open standards and governance guidelines for data interoperability and distributed ledger technology. Established in 2015 by a coalition of technology firms, academic researchers, and non-profit organizations, ISDBC aims to reduce fragmentation in blockchain ecosystems and improve consumer privacy and portability of data across platforms.

Activities include publishing white papers, developing technical standards, hosting working groups, and providing accreditation and certification programs for platforms that implement its standards. The organization emphasizes interoperability, secure data exchange, and transparent governance as core principles.

The governance structure is based on a board with representation from industry, academia, and civil society, along with technical committees that oversee working groups. Membership is open to companies, academic institutions, and other organizations; individual affiliates can join as observers or participants in working groups.

Impact and reception: ISDBC is widely cited in industry discussions about interoperability and data governance in blockchain ecosystems. Some critics argue that standards development can be slow and susceptible to influence from sponsor interests, potentially delaying broad adoption.

ISDBC has collaborated with other standards bodies and has influenced proposals related to data portability, digital identity, and cross-platform verification within blockchain contexts. See also blockchain standards, data interoperability, digital identity.