It's been a while since I last shared anything work-related, so here’s a quick update after hours.
After six months in the making, the sandbox version of Taiwan Digital Identiy Wallet is now live! Anyone interested can try it out. Download the test app, request issuer/verifier accounts, and walk through the full experience of issuing, holding, and verifying digital credentials. No coding needed.
This is one of the world’s ealry government-backed apps implementing decentralized identidier (DID)—and honestly, it's exhilarating to see it happening. With DID, the credentials you receive truly belong to you. You decide how, when, and with whom to share them. I still believe this is the backbone of our future digital society.
Here are some of my key takeaways:
A. More than a photocopy—it's verifiable
This isn't just about showing a scan of your ID.
Every credential is cryptographically signed by an issuer and acknowledged by your wallet, making it a true digital original, not just a copy. When you present it for verification, it’s like handing over the real document—only more secure and tamper-resistant. This is the core of Verifiable Credentials (VCs).
B. Selective Disclosure = Privacy Reinvented
The next problem we tackled: over-disclosure. Ever had to send both sides of your ID just to get reimbursed? Frustrating, right?
We implemented Selective Disclosure—you reveal only what’s necessary. Want a birthday discount at a restaurant? You only need to prove you're an April baby, not the year you were born.
We followed IETF’s SD-JWT VC standard, where each field is individually encrypted and only unlocked with your consent.
Maybe the next frontier is Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs): proving you're over 18 without disclosing your birthdate.
C. Compound Presentations = Smarter Verification
One feature that really moved me: Compound Verifiable Presentation.
You can now present two credentials at once—like digital double-ID—for remote verification. No more making copies and visiting offices just to show you’re legit. Sure, real-world adoption will take time, but tech-wise? It's already doable.
D. Enter the "Trust List"
“I don’t trust you, but I trust who certified you.”
That’s the magic of a Trust List. Whether it's a government agency, business entity, or NGO, any credential they issue can build trust in a decentralized way.
For example, my self-issued “mashbean xard” came from the sandbox. If you trust the sandbox (which you don’t have to), you can trust the card. But if you link a business certificate in Taiwan, you enter the trust list and get a “verified badge” (a.k.a. blue check).
This embodies the idea: "I may not know you, but I trust the org that verified you."
E. Among the Pioneer to Truly Implement SSI
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) isn’t about national sovereignty—it’s about individuals controlling their credentials.
While many global organizations promote SSI, few governments have fully implemented it. Taiwan might be among the first (or second) to do so using open blockchain infrastructure—not closed enterprise chains.
Our trust list is deployed on public chains like Arbitrum and Polygon zkEVM, both secure and cost-efficient. More DID-native blockchains are launching this year—exciting times ahead!
F. Governance: The Big Question
Who manages the trust list? Who gives out blue checks?
This is the governance question. It’s unlikely one authority can validate both official and community-issued credentials. Internet Governance models may offer inspiration here.
Digital trust frameworks must be co-created with civic participation. This isn’t just government tech. It’s public infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
After 2+ years in the public sector, I’ve learned just how hard it is to take a project from zero to one. It takes a relay of champions, every handoff matters.
The Taiwan Digital Identity Wallet project carries deep human rights values, while enhancing convenience and digital economy potential. I’m grateful to have been part of it from the early days. 🙏
Taiwan Digital Identity Wallet Website: wallet.gov.tw/
Download APP
Get mashbean Card