# What is a Decentralized Identity? A decentralized identity (DID) system gives individuals control over their identity data. It uses **cryptographic tools to store credentials securely on personal devices or decentralised storage systems**, rather than a central database. **Each person manages their own** digital wallet for credentials—such as a driver’s license, university degree, or medical record; which is referred to as 'Self Sovereign Identity'. These credentials are verifiable, selectively shareable, and revocable. Instead of proving your identity by handing over a copy of your ID, **you share only the data that is needed, called 'selective disclosure'**. For example, proving you are over 18 without revealing your birthdate. (You can learn more about BSV's underlying privacy mechanisms, like Zero-knowledge proofs in the Path, "BSV's privacy technologies explained".) These systems provide privacy, flexibility, and resilience. If a credential is revoked or lost, it can be reissued or replaced without risking the entire identity profile. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/identity-and-privacy-foundations/from-identity-theft-to-control-rethinking-personal-data-ownership/what-is-a-decentralized-identity.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.