The idea is for the IOTA Identity framework to serve as a “universal layer of trust for the internet,” which “enables digital identities, fosters trust-building through verifiable credentials, and ensures seamless interaction among different entities.” The scheme is based on SSI and W3C Decentralized Identity Standards, and uses decentralized identifiers (DIDs) to enable individuals, organizations, and devices to create, own, and control their digital identities, secured by cryptographic keys. Public blockchain infrastructure in the form of a decentralized and permissionless ledger guarantees that anyone can join to add and validate transactions, and that identity proofs remain publicly auditable and resistant to censorship.