ABSTRACT. The new method that citizens have to manage their online identities in e-governance is a self-sovereign identity (SSI). This study examines the potential of SSI, in empowering digital citizenship, through enhancing privacy, security, and provision of public services. In comparison to old systems in which governments or businesses claimed the control of identity data, SSI allows individuals to hold and share the required data with secure systems such as blockchain. The work explores the advantages of SSI, the obstacles, and its possible future to change the administration. The study is based on survey results of 52 interviewees to get to know the perception of users. The findings indicate that majority of the users have a sense of control over their data and trust SSI security and many of the users believe that the SSI benefits privacy and empowers them as digital citizens. Nevertheless, others consider SSI platforms difficult to operate and others undermine their privacy aspects. The main major obstacles are technical complexity, unclear laws and low digital literacy rates, particularly in developing countries with poor infrastructure. The study further discovers that SSI is capable of making such services like tax filing, voting and benefits access faster and even cheaper. It aids in involving those who do not have formal identifications, including refugees, in various aspects; whereby it offers mobile-based digital identities. SSI should not fail, but should be simpler in design, make better use of user education, and should have clear regulations. The study points out that SSI has the potential of enhancing confidence in online governance through the concession of control to the users and safeguarding their information.

Keywords: self-sovereign identity; e-governance; digital citizenship; blockchain; privacy; security

How to cite: Jandacka, J., Poliak, M., Drugău Constantin, A.-L., and Tudosă, P. (2023). “Self-Sovereign Identity in E-Governance: A Path toward Digital Citizenship Empowerment,” Smart Governance 2(2): 38–54. doi: 10.22381/sg2220233.

Received 10 February 2023 • Received in revised form 21 June 2023
Accepted 26 June 2023 • Available online 28 June 2023