W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0
The W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model 2.0 (2024) provides a standard for expressing credentials on the web in a way that is cryptographically secure, privacy-respecting, and machine-verifiable. Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are issued by issuers, held by holders, and presented to verifiers. Key features: selective disclosure (reveal only needed attributes), zero-knowledge proofs, decentralised identifiers (DIDs), JSON-LD representation, and multiple proof formats (Data Integrity, JWT, SD-JWT). Use cases include: digital diplomas, government ID, professional licences, health credentials, and age verification. Foundational technology for EU Digital Identity Wallet (eIDAS 2.0), mDL (mobile driver's licence), and numerous national digital identity programmes.
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Framework Domains (16)
Conformance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-CORE-01 | Conformance with the Verifiable Credentials Data Model 2.0 |
| VC2-CTX-01 | Mandatory Context |
| VC2-TYPE-01 | Credential and Presentation Types |
Core Data Model
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VCDM-1 | Context Definition |
| VCDM-2 | Credential Types |
| VCDM-3 | Credential Subject |
| VCDM-4 | Issuer Identification |
Cryptography
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-SEC-01 | Securing the Credential |
| VC2-SEC-02 | Cryptosuite Selection |
Ecosystem and Trust
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ECO-1 | Three-Party Ecosystem |
| ECO-2 | Privacy Considerations |
| ECO-3 | Accessibility Requirements |
| ECO-4 | Internationalization |
Holder
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-HOLD-01 | Holder Wallets and Storage |
| VC2-PRES-01 | Verifiable Presentations |
Identifiers
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-DID-01 | Use of Decentralized Identifiers |
Interoperability
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-INT-01 | Interoperability Profiles |
Issuer
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-ISS-01 | Issuer Identification |
| VC2-ISS-02 | Issuer Key Management |
Lifecycle
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-DATE-01 | Validity Period |
| VC2-STAT-01 | Credential Status |
Operations
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-AUD-01 | Audit Logging and Monitoring |
| VC2-LIFE-01 | Issuance, Suspension, and Revocation Procedures |
Privacy
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-PRIV-01 | Selective Disclosure |
| VC2-PRIV-02 | Correlation and Linkability |
| VC2-STAT-02 | Bitstring Status List Privacy |
Securing Mechanisms
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEC-1 | Aviation Security Programme |
| SEC-2 | Security Threat and Risk Assessment |
| SEC-3 | Security Training and Awareness |
Subject
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-SUBJ-01 | Credential Subject |
Verifiable Credentials
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC-1 | Credential Metadata |
| VC-2 | Credential Status |
| VC-3 | Credential Schema |
| VC-4 | Evidence |
Verifiable Presentations
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VP-1 | Presentation Composition |
| VP-2 | Holder Binding |
| VP-3 | Presentation Validity |
Verifier
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| VC2-VER-01 | Verifier Verification Steps |
| VC2-VER-02 | Trust Frameworks and Issuer Trust |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0, you already cover:
eIDAS 2.0 — EU Digital Identity Regulation
18%
7 controls mapped
Compare →Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA)
18%
7 controls mapped
Compare →Proposal for a Regulation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
18%
7 controls mapped
Compare →+ 547 more: DFARS 252.204-7012 — Safeguarding Covered Defense Information (13%), Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA) (13%)
See all 550 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 550 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0?
W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 is a compliance framework from International (W3C) with 16 domains and 39 controls. The W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model 2.0 (2024) provides a standard for expressing credentials on the web in a way that is cryptographically secure, privacy-respecting, and machine-verifiable. Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are issued by issuers, held by holders, and presented to verifiers. Key features: selective disclosure (reveal only needed attributes), zero-knowledge proofs, decentralised identifiers (DIDs), JSON-LD representation, and multiple proof formats (Data Integrity, JWT, SD-JWT). Use cases include: digital diplomas, government ID, professional licences, health credentials, and age verification. Foundational technology for EU Digital Identity Wallet (eIDAS 2.0), mDL (mobile driver's licence), and numerous national digital identity programmes. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 have?
W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 has 39 controls organised across 16 domains. The largest domains are Core Data Model (4 controls), Ecosystem and Trust (4 controls), Verifiable Credentials (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 map to?
W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 maps to 550 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are eIDAS 2.0 — EU Digital Identity Regulation (18% coverage), Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) (18% coverage), Proposal for a Regulation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) (18% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 compliance?
Start your W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about W3C Verifiable Credentials (VC) Data Model 2.0 requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 39 controls and track your progress.
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