Microsoft

Have Microsoft and Jamie Dimon been out having some cocktails? I mean we just saw that Jamie (CEO of JP Morgan) recently pivoted his position on cryptocurrencies and now Microsoft has embraced their support of public blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. To be specific, Microsoft supports those public blockchains for use in decentralized identity systems (IDs) by using the Microsoft Authenticator app. Most forms of identification used globally today are controlled by a central institution (government, large tech company, etc) whereas a decentralized systems removes censorship possibilities AND allows an individual full control over their identity and reputation (gee, who want that in today's world). So, bitcoin finds a new job. That's getting to be one busy coin.

(Bill Taylor/Managing Editor)


"In a new post today, Microsoft announced their embrace of public blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, for use in decentralized identity systems. Initially, the longtime tech giant will support blockchain-based decentralized IDs (DIDs) through the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Unlike the forms of identification used in the world today, a decentralized identity system is not controlled by any single, centralized institution such as a government or large tech company. The idea is that a decentralized identity system removes the possibility of censorship and gives an individual full control over their identity and reputation.

After looking at various types decentralized identity systems, Microsoft turned to public blockchains due to their ability to enable privacy, self-ownership, and permissionless access.

“After examining decentralized storage systems, consensus protocols, blockchains, and a variety of emerging standards we believe blockchain technology and protocols are well suited for enabling Decentralized IDs,” today’s announcement post from Microsoft says.

Identity is one of the long-touted use cases of blockchain technology that does not have anything to do with payments or currency. In today’s post, Microsoft points to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin as three specific platforms that are suitable foundations for DIDs..."


Full Story at Forbes.com