uPort, described as ‘the next generation of identity systems’, is pitched as “self-sovereign identity”.

uPort permits secure interaction with the Ethereum blockchain using biometric and encryption features (e.g., fingerprint reader) on a mobile device. It associates an Ethereum address with a user name, avatar, email address and/or social media account to create a ‘map’ of an individual’s identity.

The persona is verified through the Ethereum blockchain, but the ownership of the identity is determined locally using public and private key pairs.

A selective disclosure system allows users to stay in total control of which friends, businesses and/or third-parties can access their personal data.

The ‘Internet of People’ Begins

The companies involved in this new partnership say it will help kickstart the “Internet of People”.

Users will be able to edit and control their “self-sovereign identity” from Ubuntu devices.

Christian Lundkvist, co-founder of uPort says: “[The] Ubuntu operating system integrated with the bleeding edge digital identity tools of uPort, the Ubuntu phone will be a great step towards a fully self-sovereign and completely interconnected world.”

Joseph Lubin, founder of ConsenSys says: “The Ubuntu phone […] incorporating the uPort persistent, portable Identity tools takes [the Ubuntu Phone] into a realm beyond, where identity is self-sovereign — fully controlled by the user, deeply secure and, like the phone itself, opens new vistas on the emerging decentralized web services.”

Blockchain: Unlocked Potential

Admittedly I am not a biometric security expert, and the wall of jargon that surrounds (most) blockchain technologies is as impenetrable as the secure transactions it affords.