The SSI Orbit Podcast – Self-Sovereign Identity, Decentralization and Digital Trust #79 - Has Our SSI Ecosystem Become Morally Bankrupt? (with Christopher Allen)
Has the self-sovereign identity (SSI) movement strayed from its original values? Are we witnessing the centralization of digital identity under the guise of decentralization?
In this compelling episode of The SSI Orbit Podcast, host Mathieu Glaude sits down with Christopher Allen, a pioneering figure in cryptography, decentralized identity, and internet security. Together, they unpack the troubling trends that suggest SSI ecosystems may be drifting away from foundational principles and towards models that ultimately serve governments and corporations rather than individuals.
Christopher shares his deep industry experience, from co-authoring SSL/TLS, which secures the internet today, to leading the development of decentralized identity standards. He discusses how the early promises of user empowerment in digital identity have been eroded by the realities of commercialization, government control, and the re-centralization of power. He also reflects on lessons from history—how identity systems have been weaponized in past regimes—and warns of similar risks emerging in today’s digital landscape.
If you care about privacy, autonomy, and the future of digital identity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear a thought-provoking discussion on whether SSI is still on the right path—or if it's time to course-correct before it’s too late.