A U.S. patent for TECH5’s groundbreaking digital ID verification system has been published. The patent covers the innovative methods for issuance, storage, and real-time verification of digital identity credentials, as well as selective disclosure of both biometric and biographic data of the credential holder.
This pioneering technology introduces a transformative approach to identity verification by integrating live biometric authentication with a decentralized, verifiable credential stored and presented as a 2D machine-readable code or a digital file (Verifiable Credential – “VC”). The patented system enables secure real-time identity verification without dependence on centralized databases or continuous internet connectivity – unlocking trusted interactions in both online and offline environments.
Credentials can be stored in standard formats such as W3C VCs, and their decentralized use supports the development of digital identity infrastructure aligned with Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) principles.
“We continue to innovate in the field of decentralized identity because we believe in building inclusive infrastructure that empowers every individual to participate in the digital ecosystem in a secure and private manner. There is still work to be done to create truly trustworthy digital IDs that are accessible to all. The method and system described in this patent bring us one step closer to that goal. This technology serves as a core building block for decentralized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), where digital identity becomes the foundation of trust.”– Rahul Parthe, Co-founder, Chairman, and CTO at TECH5.
This patent further reinforces TECH5’s visionary commitment to supporting countries in accelerating their digital transformation through the development of sovereign DPI. By enabling decentralized and offline operations, the technology ensures universal inclusion, while delivering infinite scalability, robust security, and privacy-preserving interactions. Its integration into DPI offerings strengthens financial inclusion by expanding access to banking, credit services, and secure digital payment ecosystems.
Key features of the patented technology include:
- Live biometric verification: it utilizes biometric data (e.g., facial image, fingerprint, iris, palm, voice etc.) for identity binding and verification by generating and storing biometric templates or a unique, stable “bio-hash” that can be used in identity verification.
- 2D machine-readable code-based credentials: identity information is encrypted or signed and stored in a machine-readable 2D code that can be printed on physical IDs or stored digitally.
- Decentralized architecture: it operates in both online and offline environments, removing dependency on centralized systems and enabling usage in remote or low-connectivity regions.
- Selective data disclosure: the technology enables granular control by allowing users to share only specific pieces of information (e.g., age, name) with verifiers through shard-based decryption keys (where the decryption key is split into multiple parts (shards) and distributed among different entities or locations).
- Blockchain integration: the technology ensures tamper resistance and auditability by optionally storing biometric templates and key shards on a permissioned blockchain.
Today, TECH5 has its digital ID system based on this technology tested and adopted by a number of governments for its National ID projects. This system is available for TECH5’s certified partners worldwide.
The company is now actively working on implementing its solution for decentralized DPI in various countries in Africa and Latin America. This solution includes TECH5’s digital ID system and relies on the approaches described in this patent.