# ION

> self-sovereign identity system with development partially funded by Microsoft

**Wikidata**: [Q108755079](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108755079)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ion-q108755079

## Summary
ION is a self-sovereign identity system developed by the Decentralized Identity Foundation, with partial funding from Microsoft. It uses blockchain technology and is licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0, making it an open-source solution for decentralized identity management.

## Key Facts
- Uses blockchain technology for identity management
- Licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0
- Developed by the Decentralized Identity Foundation
- Partially funded by Microsoft
- Released in stable versions from 2021 to 2022 (1.0.0 to 1.0.4)
- Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion)
- Official website: [https://identity.foundation/ion/](https://identity.foundation/ion/)
- Classified as both an identity management system and software
- Copyrighted and designed for self-sovereign identity

## FAQs
### Q: What is ION, and who developed it?
A: ION is a self-sovereign identity system developed by the Decentralized Identity Foundation, with partial funding from Microsoft. It leverages blockchain technology to provide decentralized identity management.

### Q: Is ION open-source?
A: Yes, ION is open-source and licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0, allowing for community contributions and modifications.

### Q: What versions of ION have been released?
A: ION has released stable versions 1.0.0 (2021-01-22), 1.0.1 (2021-02-03), 1.0.2 (2021-06-01), 1.0.3 (2021-07-27), and 1.0.4 (2022-06-09).

### Q: Where can I find the source code for ION?
A: The source code for ION is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion).

### Q: What is the official website for ION?
A: The official website for ION is [https://identity.foundation/ion/](https://identity.foundation/ion/).

## Why It Matters
ION addresses the growing need for self-sovereign identity systems, where individuals have control over their digital identities without relying on centralized authorities. By using blockchain technology, ION ensures transparency, security, and interoperability across different platforms. Its development, partially funded by Microsoft, highlights the industry’s commitment to decentralized identity solutions. As digital identity management becomes increasingly critical, ION provides a robust framework for users to manage their identities securely and independently.

## Notable For
- First stable release in 2021, with subsequent updates in 2022
- Open-source and licensed under Apache 2.0, promoting community collaboration
- Partially funded by Microsoft, indicating industry backing for decentralized identity
- Uses blockchain for decentralized identity management, ensuring security and transparency
- Designed for self-sovereign identity, empowering users to control their digital identities

## Body
### Overview
ION is a self-sovereign identity system developed by the Decentralized Identity Foundation, with partial funding from Microsoft. It is designed to provide users with control over their digital identities using blockchain technology.

### Development and Funding
- Developed by the Decentralized Identity Foundation
- Partially funded by Microsoft
- Open-source and licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0

### Technology and Features
- Uses blockchain for decentralized identity management
- Designed for self-sovereign identity, empowering users to control their digital identities
- Ensures transparency, security, and interoperability across different platforms

### Releases and Versions
- Released stable versions from 2021 to 2022
  - Version 1.0.0 (2021-01-22)
  - Version 1.0.1 (2021-02-03)
  - Version 1.0.2 (2021-06-01)
  - Version 1.0.3 (2021-07-27)
  - Version 1.0.4 (2022-06-09)

### Availability
- Source code available on GitHub: [https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion)
- Official website: [https://identity.foundation/ion/](https://identity.foundation/ion/)

### Classification
- Classified as both an identity management system and software
- Copyrighted and designed for self-sovereign identity

## References

1. [Release 1.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
2. [Release 1.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
3. [Release 1.0.2. 2021](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion/releases/tag/v1.0.2)
4. [Release 1.0.3. 2021](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion/releases/tag/v1.0.3)
5. [Release 1.0.4. 2022](https://github.com/decentralized-identity/ion/releases/tag/v1.0.4)
6. [Source](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/ion-we-have-liftoff/ba-p/1441555)