Overview
KILT Protocol is a blockchain-based identity solution designed to return control over personal data to individuals, fostering privacy and self-sovereignty. By providing a framework for creating decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials (VCs), KILT enables users to present claims about themselves in a secure and privacy-preserving manner. This approach facilitates trust in digital interactions without relying on centralized authorities.
History
Founded in 2018 by Ingo Rübe, CEO of BOTLabs GmbH, KILT Protocol was developed to address the growing need for secure digital identities in the Web 3.0 era. In September 2021, KILT launched its mainnet as a parachain on Kusama, Polkadot’s canary network, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide decentralized identity solutions.
Architecture
KILT’s architecture comprises several key components:
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
DIDs serve as unique identifiers that enable entities to establish a digital presence without centralized registration authorities. KILT allows users to generate and manage their own DIDs, forming the foundation of their digital identities.
Verifiable Credentials (VCs)
VCs are digital attestations linked to DIDs, containing claims about an entity’s attributes or qualifications. KILT facilitates the issuance, presentation, and verification of VCs, ensuring that personal data remains under the control of the credential holder.
Attesters and Claimers
In the KILT ecosystem, Attesters are trusted entities that verify and attest to the validity of claims made by Claimers (individuals or entities seeking credentials). This dynamic establishes a trust market where Attesters can offer their services, and Claimers can obtain verifiable credentials.
Integration with Polkadot and Kusama
Built on Parity Substrate, KILT operates as a parachain within the Polkadot and Kusama networks. This integration enables interoperability with other blockchain projects, allowing KILT to provide DIDs and VCs across various platforms, including gaming, NFTs, DeFi, and decentralized exchanges.
Use Cases
KILT Protocol’s versatile framework supports a wide range of applications:
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Digital Identity Verification: Individuals can obtain verifiable credentials for personal attributes, such as age or professional qualifications, and present them securely to service providers.
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Enterprise Solutions: Businesses can leverage KILT to issue and manage employee credentials, streamlining access control and compliance processes.
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IoT Device Authentication: KILT enables the assignment of DIDs to machines and devices, facilitating secure communication and authentication within the Internet of Things ecosystem.
Tokenomics
The native utility token of the KILT Protocol, KILT Coin, serves multiple functions within the network:
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Payment: Facilitates transactions and services within the ecosystem.
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On-Chain Governance: Empowers token holders to participate in decision-making processes affecting the protocol’s development and policies.
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Staking Mechanisms: Supports network security through staking by collators and delegators, incentivizing active participation and maintaining the integrity of the blockchain.
At the Token Generation Event (TGE), 150 million KILT Coins were pre-minted, with a gradual unlocking schedule over 6 to 60 months. The protocol employs a Limited Delegated Proof-of-Stake (LDPoS) consensus mechanism, involving collators who build blocks and delegators who support trusted collators by staking their KILT Coins.
Security and Privacy
KILT Protocol is committed to maintaining high standards of security and privacy:
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Data Sovereignty: Users retain full control over their personal data, deciding what information to share and with whom.
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Revocable Credentials: Attesters have the capability to revoke credentials if they become invalid, ensuring the reliability of attestations.
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Blockchain Integrity: Operating as a parachain on Kusama and Polkadot, KILT benefits from the robust security provided by these relay chains, with transaction data verified and finalized by their validators.
Community and Governance
KILT fosters a decentralized community where stakeholders actively participate in governance through on-chain mechanisms. This inclusive approach ensures that the protocol evolves in alignment with the interests and needs of its users, promoting transparency and collaborative development.
