The 2nd Workshop on Verifiable Credentials is taking place in the context of a global digital transformation. There is a growing need for secure, interoperable solutions that can automatically verify information online. Verifiable credentials enable trusted institutions to issue attributes such as identity, diplomas, proof of income, property ownership, driver's licenses, and vaccination records, which can then be presented digitally with cryptographic assurance, privacy preservation, and selective data disclosure. These features reduce bureaucracy, increase the efficiency of service delivery, and strengthen trust in the digital economy.
In Brazil, Law No. 15,211/2025, known as the Digital ECA (The Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents), provides a relevant example of how this technology can be applied in practice. It establishes the need for effective age verification mechanisms to protect children and adolescents online. Verifiable credentials offer an accurate, privacy-respecting solution that allows users to prove their age without exposing unnecessary personal data. This reduces the risk of information leaks and promotes greater legal and technological security for digital platforms and their users.
The workshop will address the conceptual and technical foundations of verifiable credentials, including international standards, implementation protocols, public digital infrastructure, digital wallets, regulation, governance, user experience, and digital inclusion. The workshop will also discuss social and ethical impacts, as well as various concrete use cases in the public and private sectors. This will contribute to a broader understanding, awareness, and adoption of verifiable credentials in Brazil. Thus, it will strengthen a more secure and efficient digital ecosystem.