BBS+ Signatures: Applications, Standardizations, and a bit of Theory

Abstract: In this talk we present an overview of BBS+ signatures from an applications and standardization perspective. In addition we will review its cryptographic/ZKP underpinnings. Verifiable credentials are currently undergoing standardization at the W3C as an electronic substitute/adjunct to many traditional types of credentials such as passports, educational transcripts, etc... BBS+ signatures can provide the key features of selective disclosure and unlinkability to verifiable credentials. However the road from academic papers to multi-vendor interoperable deployment requires working through multiple standards development organizations. We describe this process for BBS+ via our work at the IETF, DIF, and W3C.

Suggested readings: ia.cr/2023/275, ia.cr/2016/663, ia.cr/2009/050, https://www.ietf.org/archive/id/draft-irtf-cfrg-bbs-signatures-03.html