Blockchain for secure and equitable digital identity management enhancing verification efficiency and data privacy

Abstract

In the digital era, identity verification plays a critical role in ensuring security and privacy in online transactions. Current identity management platforms build their data storage around centralized models which creates conditions for high risks of both breaches and identity fraud together with operational shortcomings. This review examines blockchain digital identity solutions by studying Decentralized Identity (DID) along with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) and smart contracts. The combination of these technologies allows decentralization and cryptographic security with automation while resolving current traditional system limitations. A narrative review, informed by a PRISMA-based literature selection process, evaluated 31 documents from IEEE, ACM, Springer, and Elsevier. The reviewed literature indicates that blockchain-based authentication approaches can enhance personal security and reduce verification delay, and may lower fraud susceptibility in financial, healthcare, and relief-program applications, based on the findings reported in the cited studies. Future research should focus on AI-driven identity verification, interoperability among DID frameworks, and regulatory policies for global adoption.