> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ssi-did-directory.gitbook.io/open-directory-for-all/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ssi-did-directory.gitbook.io/open-directory-for-all/blockchains-and-projects/bitcoin/ion.md).

# ION

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ION is an open, public, permissionless Layer 2 Decentralized Identifier network that runs atop the Bitcoin blockchain
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### Decentralized

ION is a Layer 2 open, permissionless network based on the purely deterministic Sidetree protocol, which requires no special tokens, trusted validators, or additional consensus mechanisms; the linear progression of Bitcoin's timechain is all that's required for its operation.

### Scalable

ION is designed for scale, supporting thousands of DID operations per second across the network. ION is based on a strongly eventually consistent architecture that enables embarrassingly parallel ingest, processing, and resolution of DID operations.

### Censorship & Tamper Evasive

* ION DIDs can only be deactivated by their owners, protecting people from violations of digital rights.
* ION includes registry capabilities to support decentralized package managers, app stores, etc.
* ION enables DID owners to securely connect to each other through decentralized routing endpoints.