Chain accounts
An account address is a DID. Signing and verification refer to that identity; applications do not need a separate identifier convention for the same chain account.
Technical guideDID, throughout ArcBlock
Since 2019, ArcBlock has built decentralized identity into its products. The did:abt method gives chain accounts, tokens, NFTs and AI agents a common identifier system, with tools for using those identities in applications.
A W3C standard for identifiers
A decentralized identifier (DID) identifies a subject such as a person, organization or device. Its method defines how to create and resolve it to a DID document, where verification methods and service information can be found. W3C DID Core 1.0 became a Recommendation in July 2022.
did:abt: one method, many kinds of objects
ArcBlock developed did:abt as its DID method. Its identifier format carries a role type and cryptographic algorithm information. “Everything is DID” describes a concrete architecture choice: accounts, assets and software objects have identifiers in the same system. Their ownership and permissions remain defined by the relevant protocol.
FT, NFT & factories
A token type, an individual NFT and an NFT factory each have their own DID. An asset identifier names the asset; its ownership record identifies the owner. The two are distinct.
Explore the productAgents & software
Agent IDs extend the same model to AI operators. Blocklets and servers also have DIDs, giving software an identity that can be referenced in signed records and authorization relationships.
Explore the productStake & delegation
Stake and delegation records are addressable objects too. Giving the relationship its own DID makes it possible to refer to that specific commitment or delegation instead of just naming its participants.
Definition & terminologyAn identity system people can use
The DID product family covers everyday identity use, application connections, names and personal data. ArcWallet and ArcSpace carry forward the products previously known as DID Wallet and DID Space.
ArcWallet
Launched in May 2019 as ABT Wallet, later named DID Wallet and now ArcWallet. An early DID mobile wallet for managing identities, credentials and interactions with applications.
Explore the productDID Connect
The protocol and integration tools an application uses to request sign-in, signatures or credential presentations from a wallet.
Explore the productDID Names
Domain management built on DID and verifiable credentials, including hosting and managing multiple domains from one account.
Explore the productArcSpace
Formerly DID Space / DID Spaces. A personal data space associated with a DID, which applications access according to the user’s authorization.
Explore the productDID Motif
An open-source library that turns a DID into a recognizable icon, used in the wallet and block explorer. The visual helps recognition; signatures establish control.
Definition & terminologyBuilding with the standards community since 2019
Product development and standards participation have progressed together. ArcBlock joined DIF in 2019 and was already participating in W3C’s Credentials Community Group that year.
2019 · 05
A DID wallet on mobile
ABT Wallet’s public launch brought DID-based identity and application interactions to mobile users.
Read the announcement2019 · 05
Joining DIF
ArcBlock joined the Decentralized Identity Foundation, contributing its experience with DID protocols and developer tools.
Read the announcement2025
Taking a leadership role
In January 2025, ArcBlock announced Matt McKinney’s appointment as Co-Chair of the DID Method Working Group and an expert mentor in DIF Labs. In November 2025, DIF announced his election to its Steering Committee.
Read the announcement