Online verification is what happens when a digital credential is checked over the internet, rather than by a person looking at a physical ID. Instead of visually inspecting a card, the system verifies the credential electronically at the moment it’s used, confirming that it’s real and still valid.
This is new compared to physical IDs, which can’t be checked remotely or in real time. Online verification makes it possible to use verifiable digital credentials for things like account setup, benefits access, and other internet-based services, without requiring in-person checks.
Online verification is the process of validating a verifiable digital credential by checking cryptographic proofs and credential status through a networked service at the time of use. In this model, the verifier relies on real-time connectivity to confirm that a credential remains valid and has not been revoked, suspended, or expired.
How online verification works
When a credential is presented online, the verifier validates the issuer’s digital signature and may also perform a live status check against an issuer-operated or trusted status service. This ensures that the credential is not only authentic and unaltered, but also currently valid.
To reduce privacy risks, well-designed systems separate status validation from issuer visibility into individual transactions. Rather than “phoning home” for each presentation, some architectures use privacy-preserving status mechanisms that confirm validity without revealing where or how the credential is being used.
When online verification is used
Online verification is best suited for scenarios that require:
Real-time assurance that a credential is still valid
Integration into existing digital systems and workflows
Automated decision-making without human oversight
Banks, employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies often rely on online verification to support scalable, remote services while maintaining compliance and fraud prevention controls.
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