Relationship Certificates

This paper outlines a new type of ‘identity’ digital certificate, intended for use only within a defined community of interest. By restricting certificate usage to an established context, under existing business rules and liability arrangements, all problems of cross-recognition and minimum levels of identity proofing disappear. The total cost of ownership is reduced, and many auxiliary complexities also disappear, especially in software design. Registration is streamlined, and certificate uptake can be expected to be radically improved.