IdentityReference

IdentityReference is a term used in information systems to denote a reference to an identity, such as a user or group, within a system. It is commonly employed in authentication, authorization, auditing, and workflow contexts to record or assign responsibility without embedding full user data.

In practice, identity references are represented as lightweight objects that carry a stable identifier and human-friendly metadata. Typical fields include a unique identifier (id or descriptor), a display name, and a unique name or principal name. Some implementations also provide a link to an avatar image and a flag indicating whether the identity is active or disabled. The exact structure is implementation-dependent, but the goal is to enable reliable identification while keeping the reference lightweight.

Common uses include assigning tasks, approving changes, or recording who performed an action in logs and audit trails. By abstracting the identity as a reference, systems can resolve the actual user or group from a separate identity store when needed, allowing interoperability across services and boundaries.

Variants and terminology vary by platform; some ecosystems use terms such as Identity, Principal, User, or GraphIdentity. The concept remains a lightweight reference to an entity that can be authenticated and authorized, rather than a full user profile.

Privacy and security considerations include protecting the identifiers and any associated personal data. Access to identity references should follow the same authorization rules as the underlying identity data, and practices should align with applicable data protection requirements.