Over the last two years, the GAIN POC Community Group has been working steadily on demonstrating that disparate digital identity implementations can be integrated. We have been through two cycles that largely ended up with the same high-level process:

1. Agree specifics
2. Implement code changes
3. Integrate & demonstrate interoperability

The two cycles were quite different at a technical level with the first having been based on OpenID Connect for Identity Assurance (OIDC4IDA) and OpenID Federation. The findings of this round were partially documented in the whitepaper “Gain in 2023.” The second cycle was focussed on OpenID for Verifiable Credential Issuance (OID4VCI).

Both cycles were successful in that they:

• Resulted in functional demonstrations
• Enabled participants to learn a lot about the challenges of integrating diverse digital identity systems
• Provided participants with clearer specifications, enhancing understanding
• Led to valuable feedback for other working groups.

The latest cycle has successfully delivered several integrated parties using a profile of OID4VCI (ID-1) issuing an IETF SD-JWT VC with the following integrations demonstrated:

- Bundesdruckerei Issuance to Meeco, Talao and Datev wallets
- Meeco Issuance to Talao wallet
- Authlete Issuance to Meeco, Talao and Datev wallets
- Boruta Issuance to Talao wallet

The Community Group continues to progress with next steps to include OpenID for Verifiable Presentations, and a collaboration with the Open Identity Exchange that leverages OpenID Federation to enable the passage of Trust Framework metadata.  There has been work on this already by a few of the members so this phase should have a flying start!

Are you inspired by the progress we’ve made or curious how you can contribute to the next phases? We’re always looking for more collaborators to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our group. Visit our website to sign up and join the GAIN POC CG now!