> 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/fundamentals/ssi-in-a-nutshell.md).

# SSI in a nutshell

Self-sovereign Identity describes a concept that allows the user to share only the minimum amount of data needed to receive a specific service.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Example:** If you want to visit a bar, the doorman doesn't need your birthday, not even your age. He only needs to know if you are old enough to visit a bar. In today's world, you might show your driver's license or ID card. Both of them disclose unnecessary data to the doorman.
{% endhint %}

A self-sovereign architecture for managing verifiable claims is one in which an end-user is in complete control of their identifier, where the verifiable claims are contained, and how they are used. This architecture will need a wallet to hold your credentials.

#### The current standard for expressing and transacting verifiable claims 

Self-sovereign and privacy-enhancing standards haven't found a common baseline that is strong enough to receive sufficient adoption.

{% content-ref url="/pages/usgJT5MsZQYrQACYVCql" %}
[Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)](/open-directory-for-all/fundamentals/scientific-foundation/task-lists.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}