# A Survey on Essential Components of a Self-Sovereign Identity

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1807.06346 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1807.06346/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 17 Jul 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Upgrade or Switch: Do We Need a Next-Gen Trusted Architecture for the Internet of AI Agents?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.12003/) (2025)
- [BC4LLM: Trusted Artificial Intelligence When Blockchain Meets Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.06278/) (2023)
- [A Decentralized Approach towards Responsible AI in Social Ecosystems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.06362/) (2021)
- [Personhood Credentials: Human-Centered Design Recommendation Balancing Security, Usability, and Trust](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.16375/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper provides an overview of the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) concept, focusing on four different components that we identified as essential to the architecture. Self-Sovereign Identity is enabled by the new development of blockchain technology. Through the trustless, decentralised database that is provided by a blockchain, classic Identity Management registration processes can be replaced. We start off by giving a simple overview of blockchain based SSI, introducing an architecture overview as well as relevant actors in such a system. We further distinguish two major approaches, namely the Identifier Registry Model and its extension the Claim Registry Model. Subsequently we discuss identifiers in such a system, presenting past research in the area and current approaches in SSI in the context of Zooko's Triangle. As the user of an SSI has to be linked with his digital identifier we also discuss authentication solutions. Most central to the concept of an SSI are the verifiable claims that are presented to relying parties. Resources in the field are only losely connected. We will provide a more coherent view of verifiable claims in regards to blockchain based SSI and clarify differences in the used terminology. Storage solutions for the verifiable claims, both on- and off-chain, are presented with their advantages and disadvantages.