identifions

Identifions are a term used primarily in speculative discussions and fiction to denote compact digital tokens that encode an individual's identity or attributes. They are not an established standard in real-world digital identity systems, but the concept mirrors real technologies such as digital credentials and tokens.

A typical identifion would consist of a header, a payload containing claims (such as name, role, permissions), and a cryptographic signature by an issuer. Verifiers could check authenticity using public keys and enforce validity periods. The design emphasizes tamper resistance and efficient verification.

Uses and governance: In theory, identifions could enable selective disclosure, revocation, and tiered access to services without exposing unrelated data. Issuers might include government agencies, employers, universities, or trusted authorities. Privacy and security concerns include data minimization, potential linkability across services, and the risks of compromise if credentials are leaked or forged.

In science fiction and academic speculation, identifions appear as portable tokens embedded in devices or as overlay records on smartphones, sometimes with biometric checks. They are discussed as part of broader debates about digital sovereignty, consent, and interoperable identity systems. Some discussions emphasize the need for interoperable standards, revocation mechanisms, and user-controlled disclosure to prevent misuse.

Notes: The term identifion is not common in real-world standards. Any real-world system built around similar concepts would require clear governance, widely adopted standards, robust cryptography, and careful attention to privacy and accessibility.