identitybystate

Identitybystate refers to a conceptual framework for tying digital identity claims to a jurisdictional state or state of residency. It describes an approach where identity verification and attribute validation are performed in relation to state authorities or state-specific policies, enabling services to enforce rules or grant access based on a user’s state affiliation. The term is used in discussions about digital identity architecture rather than as a single, standardized product.

In practice, identitybystate involves collecting and validating state-linked attributes—such as residency, eligibility, or state-issued credentials—and presenting them to relying parties in a privacy-preserving way. Verification can leverage traditional identity providers, government registries, or verifiable credential technology, often following open standards like OpenID Connect, SAML, and digital credential formats. Data minimization and user consent are emphasized to reduce unnecessary exposure of personal information.

Common use cases include access to state government services, eligibility for state-sponsored programs, age or residency verification for state libraries or health networks, and tax or benefits administration. The model supports portability of trusted state credentials across compatible services and can help ensure compliance with state laws and regulatory requirements.

Governance for identitybystate typically involves collaboration among state agencies, privacy authorities, and private sector partners, with attention to data protection, consent management, and revocation of credentials. Challenges include balancing privacy with verification needs, ensuring data accuracy, handling cross-state portability, and addressing disparities in digital access. Related concepts include digital identity, self-sovereign identity, and verifiable credentials.