Microsoft launched a beta version of its ION decentralized network on the Bitcoin mainnet.
The developers of the ION project announced a few hours ago the launch of the beta version of this new network. Noting that they are delighted to be able to take this giant step towards the implementation of ION. a network public and open source that is focused on the privacy and security of digital identification systems that are used worldwide.
Likewise, the developers highlighted that ION is a second layer implementation implemented on the Bitcoin main network. An open source network, which is accessible to any user who wishes to review, run, contribute and give their input to this project.
The beta version of ION is a great step to bring the project to fruition. That will provide feasible solutions to the online identification problems currently experienced. In this sense, it should be noted that Microsoft and the other companies that are collaborating with the development of ION have been carrying out in-depth studies and analyzes of the growing need to protect identity in online systems.
Thus, since 2019, the technology giant based in the United States has been working on the development of the project. Which will work very similar to Bitcoin, but for identifications. At ION, personal data and user information are stored by each user in a kind of digital wallet. A system very similar to that of cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it is the users themselves who maintain autonomy over their data.
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But what is the ION network and how does it work?
As we already mentioned, the project Identity Overlay Network from Microsoft, also known as ION, is a public open source network focused on identification systems. Its structure and operation can be seen very similar to those of the network Lighting Network (LN). This is since it is a second layer implementation that has its own network of nodes interconnected with each other. Likewise, like LN, ION does not require consensus between nodes. Well, it is simply based on the deterministic and hierarchical progression of linear blocks in Bitcoin.
The goal developers are looking for with ION is to replace the need to use a username when logging in to any network or service. On the contrary, we want to implement the use of a decentralized digital identification (Decentralized Digital Identity) o DID , for its acronym in English. This digital identification system works as a kind of private key for cryptocurrency users. So it can be implemented to demonstrate ownership or membership over an ID. Likewise, users are the only ones who have the autonomy to share their data through their passwords.
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ION operation
Likewise, ION works through a network of its own decentralized nodes. Therefore, ION does not depend on any service, company or organization, not even Microsoft as a trusted third party. These nodes are the ones who will have all the responsibility and autonomy to track, verify and add each of these identifications (DID) to the Bitcoin blockchain.
As we well know, the Bitcoin network is based on blockchain technology. A transparent and immutable technology that allows the recording of data and information. And once data is added to it, it cannot be modified, altered or deleted. So ION offers security, transparency and at the same time privacy to meet the growing need to protect identification in online digital systems.
On the other hand, digital identification systems, once they are added within the blockchain, can be updated. For which the nodes will maintain a chronological record of all the metadata that is integrated.
The revolution of digital identification systems
Decentralized digital identification systems will allow us to move towards a new generation of trust in online systems, such as social networks or service networks. Through blockchain technology, the way information is encrypted and exchanged online will be radically changed.
With the decentralization of digital identification systems, a higher level of security can be guaranteed than currently available. Likewise, thanks to this implementation, it is also possible to provide greater opportunities to anyone worldwide. A fact that can allow access to various services without the typical restrictions of traditional systems.
It is important to highlight that identification is a right of all citizens, each one has the right to sovereignty over their own identity. Therefore, through blockchain technology and the implementation of ION, this right can be guaranteed to all users in a safe, verifiable and reliable manner.
In this sense, the Vice President of Program Management of the Microsoft Identity Division, Alex Simons, mentioned that people need to have reliable and decentralized systems. Systems that give them control over their own digital identity. Furthermore, he pointed out that this integration had to be done in a subtle but effective way. All so that the user can achieve true ownership and absolute control over her identity.
ION developers will continue this hard work to guarantee users a unique experience when creating and managing their DID IDs.
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