Web 2.0 Pain Points
In a recent twitter poll, IAMX asked what aspects of identity authentication practices in Web 2.0 were the most problematic: Passwords, CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart), Form Filling, or All of the Above. Not surprisingly, the majority (70%) of respondents chose “All of the Above”. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if these, and the many other pain points of identity authentication in Web 2.0, could be left behind for good?
Web 2.0 <> Centralised Identity
Because Web 2.0 operates in a paradigm of Centralised Identity, these problematic aspects of identity authentication aren’t limited to Web 2.0, but they’re certainly prevalent. For those unfamiliar, a Centralised Identity system is one that relies on a single body that issues and authenticates identity. The most common forms include: any state-level identification, like a passport or driver’s license; a company identification or access card; and just about any Web 2.0 service or platform. When identity is centralised, it is out of our control. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, say if you leave your job and your former employer revokes the access granted by your ID card, it can also be very serious, for example if the state decides to revoke or otherwise render your ID documents invalid.
The pain points of passwords, CAPTCHA, and form filling are elements of centralised identity systems in Web 2.0. In these systems there are many requirements imposed upon the user, and every site or service has its own — often different — security and privacy policies.
Passwords
Passwords are a necessary aspect of authentication in Web 2.0 (i.e. proving you are who you say you are), but how many times have you forgotten one? How many passwords do you re-use on multiple sites? It can be hard to come up with a password that’s easy to remember and secure enough that it won’t be easily guessed or hacked. Believe it or not, some of the most common passwords include: “123456”, “password”, or “qwerty” — all of which pale in comparison to the security of one such as “Pa$$w0rd” (if only there were a sarcasm emoji).
Memorising and managing countless passwords, including the associated multi-factor authentication practices like one-time codes, is burdensome. Password management tools can help alleviate the burden to some extent, but often your entire database of passwords ends up protected by only one password. It certainly reduces what you need to remember, but is there a realised increase to security? And what if there were a data breach?
IAMX eliminates the need for passwords because authentication across platforms is consolidated to your identity — no more passwords, just you.
CAPTCHA
Without CAPTCHA, bot armies could take over the Web 2.0 internet! This function helps distinguish human and non-human requests for service, and ultimately legitimate vs illegitimate access depending on the platform. With IAMX, there’s no need to prove you’re not a bot because only humans are able to create and hold an IAMX identity. Bots lack the physical attributes needed to use a Biometric Identity Terminal; they can’t complete KYC processes requiring proof of identity via existing physical forms (passport, driver’s license, etc.); and they aren’t able to create a false identity through any of IAMX’s trusted identity authentication partners, like a telecommunications company. For the future safety of this author, and for posterity, it should be noted that none of the content in this article represents prejudice or ill will towards AI or any other non-human sentience.
Form Filling
How many hours of our lives have we lost forever due to form filling? There’s no way to know, and that’s probably a good thing! Some things are better left unknown. Whether you’re signing up for a service, creating a new account somewhere, or making a purchase online, there’s some type of form-filling involved. What if you could do away with all of that and instead use those countless hours towards something actually meaningful in your life? After all, is there anything of greater value than the time we have in this life?
With an IAMX identity, you retain agency over your personal data, can consent to sharing said data, and to what extent. This means no more form filling — the entire process is consolidated to a single click!
IAMX <> Decentralised Identity
With IAMX your identity is decentralised, so you manage and maintain control over your identity at all times. There is no centralised issuing body that can alter or revoke your identity. With IAMX you experience the internet as if you’re logged in — no passwords, CAPTCHA, form filling, or any of the pain points of the centralised identity paradigm of Web 2.0. The IAMX decentralised identity solution is efficient and portable, providing users with secure, legitimate, and authentic means of digital and self-sovereign identification.
About IAMX
IAMX is a token-based SSI and authentication system, enabling 1-Click Fulfillment transactions that are legally binding on the state/national level. Further, it adds an identity layer to the internet, so users are able to engage with the internet as if they were logged in.
The vision of IAMX is to empower everyone on Earth to realize their human right to have an identity, with a mission to protect the human right of every individual to hold, control, and own their personal identity.
IAMX allows the Holder to own their identity. Building upon the foundation of SSI, IAMX empowers the Holder to manage and control their identity. IAMX is working closely with members of the Sovrin Foundation to ensure the shared principles of SSI are maintained.
Website │ Twitter │ Telegram │ Discord │ Linkedin │ Youtube │ Reddit
