OpenID is an open standard and decentralised authentication protocol that allows users to access multiple online services and websites using a single set of credentials. It enables users to authenticate themselves without the need to create and manage separate login credentials for each website or service they visit.
Key aspects of OpenID include:
- Single Sign-On (SSO): OpenID operates on the principle of single sign-on, allowing users to use a single identification (OpenID) to sign in to multiple websites or services that support the protocol.
- Decentralised Authentication: OpenID is a decentralised authentication system, which means that users don’t rely on a single centralised authentication service. Instead, they use their chosen OpenID provider to verify their identity.
- Open Standard: OpenID operates as an open standard and is based on technologies like URLs, HTTP, and other internet standards. It aims to provide a simple and user-centric way to authenticate users across various websites and services.
- User Control and Privacy: Users have control over the information shared with websites when using OpenID. They can choose the information to provide to a website while maintaining their privacy and limiting the data shared.
- OpenID Provider: Users choose an OpenID provider, which can be a specialised OpenID service, an identity provider offered by a website, or even their own domain. This provider confirms the user’s identity to the website or service requesting authentication.
When a user wants to sign in to a website that supports OpenID, they enter their OpenID URL or choose their OpenID provider. The website then redirects the user to their OpenID provider for authentication. Once verified, the provider confirms the user’s identity back to the website, allowing the user to access the site without creating a separate account.