Trust and Identity Initiative

Trust and Identity

The Internet Society’s Trust and Identity initiative rec-
ognizes that in order to be trusted, the Internet must
provide channels for secure, reliable, private, com-
munication between entities, which can be clearly
authenticated in a mutually understood manner. The
mechanisms that provide this level of assurance must
The Internet Society support both the end-to-end nature of Internet archi-
tecture and reasonable means for entities to manage
promotes work that and protect their own identity details.
improves trust in the A trusted Internet takes into account security, trans-
action protection, and identity assertion and manage-
Internet by developing Identity and Trust
ment. Given the network dependence on unique
This research programme investigates the elevation
numbers and the escalating amount of geolocation
secure, reliable, and of identity to a core issue in network research and
data being gathered, the privacy implications of the
standards development.
private communication current Internet represent a significant and growing
concern. Trust must be a primary design element at ISOC is taking a lead role in reviewing the current
channels that can be every layer of the architecture, and in some cases, Internet architecture and the model of Internet de-
existing elements may need to be redesigned or velopment and deployment. This includes active
clearly authenticated improved to meet emerging requirements. engagement with participants within the traditional
ISOC sphere, as well as with the research, enterprise,
in mutually and end-user communities. We offer the kind of sup-
2008 Programmes
port for research that enhances and facilitates trust
understood ways. The Trust and Identity initiative focuses on the follow-
and collaboration with the standards community and
ing major research programmes.
that advances the most interesting outcomes of that
Architecture and Trust research.
This research programme investigates the implemen-
ISOC is reaching out to the businesses and end users
tation of open-trust mechanisms throughout the full
that rely on the Internet to exchange sensitive data.
cycle of Internet research, standardisation, develop-
Their needs and concerns inform both our baseline
ment, and deployment.
research agendas and ongoing standards and devel-
Current Problems and Solutions and Trust opment work.
This research programme investigates the mitigation
ISOC continues to support the advancement of current
of the social, policy, and economic factors that
technical solutions and best practices through our
may hinder development and deployment for trust-
existing programmes.
enabling technologies.

For more information, visit http://www.isoc.org/isoc/mission/initiative/trust.shtml

A nonprofit organisation, the Internet Society was founded in 1992 as a leader in promoting the evolution and growth of the Internet.
Through our members, chapters, and partners, we are the hub of the largest international network of people and organisations that
work with the Internet. We work on many levels to address the development, availability, and technology of the Internet.
The Internet is critical to advancing economic growth, community self-reliance, and social justice throughout the world. Become a
member of the Internet Society, and share this vision. For more information, visit http://www.isoc.org.

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