YOUn

YOUn is a hypothetical framework and platform concept designed to illustrate how online systems might prioritize user ownership of personal data and identity. The term appears in discussions of data sovereignty, privacy by design, and interoperable identity systems, rather than referring to a single deployed product.

At its core, YOUn envisions that individuals retain control over their digital identities and related data, and can selectively disclose credentials to service providers. Core principles include self-sovereign identity, user consent, data minimization, portability, and interoperability across domains.

Most references describe a modular architecture consisting of a user wallet that stores cryptographic keys and verifiable credentials, a credential exchange layer that issues and proves credentials, a decentralized directory or service locator to enable discovery without centralized custodianship, and a governance layer to align standards and policies. Privacy-preserving technologies such as selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs are commonly associated with the concept.

Implementation status: YOUn is not an official standard; it functions as a design space or blueprint used to compare approaches in academic, policy, and technical discussions. It intersects with established concepts and standards such as self-sovereign identity, decentralized identifiers (DID), and verifiable credentials (VCs) developed under W3C.

Reception notes: Proponents highlight improved user control, portability, and reduced vendor lock-in. Critics point to added complexity, onboarding friction, performance considerations, and the need for coordinated governance to prevent fragmentation and ensure accessibility.