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Overview

What is Self?

Self is a versatile and robust toolkit designed to enable developers of all levels to implement advanced features pertaining to security, authentication, credential management, message exchange, and digital agreement signing. It is built on cutting-edge technologies such as Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), Message Layer Security (MLS), and Verifiable Credentials 2.0.

Self

Let's break down what each of these technologies means:

  • Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs): Unlike traditional identifiers like email addresses or usernames, DIDs are globally unique identifiers that are created, owned, and controlled by the entity they represent. They serve as the foundation for digital identity in the decentralized world, enabling individuals, organizations, and machines to verify and trust one another without centralized authorities.

  • Message Layer Security (MLS): MLS is a modern cryptographic protocol that ensures the security of group communications. It provides end-to-end encryption for messages, which means only the intended recipients can read them. Even if the communication is intercepted during transmission, the content remains confidential and unintelligible to unauthorized parties.

  • Verifiable Credentials 2.0: These are digital credentials that are tamper-evident and can be cryptographically verified. They allow individuals and organizations to present proofs about themselves in a privacy-preserving and secure manner. For instance, proving one's age without revealing the exact date of birth.

With Self, you can leverage these technologies in your server-side and mobile applications. The provided Software Development Kits (SDKs) make it simple to implement secure authentication workflows, manage verifiable credentials, exchange encrypted messages, and sign digital agreements.

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, Self is designed to empower you with the tools you need to build secure, privacy-preserving, and trust-enabling solutions. It simplifies the process of integrating complex technologies, freeing you to focus on creating the best possible experience for your users.