Atala PRISM
IOG's decentralized identity platform — DIDs and verifiable credentials on-chain
What is Atala PRISM?
Atala PRISM is IOG's decentralized identity platform built on Cardano. It enables self-sovereign identity through Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials stored on-chain — letting individuals and organizations control their own digital identity without relying on centralized identity providers.
Key Features
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)
Atala PRISM issues W3C-standard DIDs anchored on the Cardano blockchain. These identifiers are globally unique, self-sovereign, and controlled entirely by their owner.
Verifiable Credentials
Issue and verify credentials on-chain — diplomas, licenses, certifications, and identity documents that can be verified instantly without contacting the issuing institution.
Self-Sovereign Identity
Users own and control their identity data. No corporation or government can revoke or modify your PRISM identity without your private key.
Enterprise & Government Use
Atala PRISM is deployed in real-world projects including Ethiopia's national student credential system — one of the largest blockchain identity deployments globally.
How to Use Atala PRISM
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Developers: access the Atala PRISM SDK at atalaprism.io
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Use the PRISM SDK to create DIDs for your users
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Issue verifiable credentials signed by your organization's DID
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Recipients store credentials in their PRISM wallet
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Verifiers can check credential validity on-chain instantly without contacting the issuer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DID?
A Decentralized Identifier (DID) is a globally unique identifier that is controlled by its owner rather than a centralized registry. On Atala PRISM, DIDs are anchored to the Cardano blockchain.
What is the Ethiopia project?
IOG partnered with the Ethiopian government to issue verifiable academic credentials to 5 million students using Atala PRISM — one of the largest real-world blockchain identity deployments in history.
Is Atala PRISM for end users or developers?
Primarily for developers and organizations building identity solutions. End users interact with PRISM through applications built on the platform rather than directly.
Is Atala PRISM open source?
Atala PRISM's SDK and components are available to developers. Check atalaprism.io for the current open-source status of individual components.