What is a "digital identity," and how does it differ from identity in general?
A digital identity is the subset of identity attributes that can be technically mapped, stored, and processed in digital systems — the "identity data" (Identitätsdaten) that represent a user in the information society.
What makes digital identity special:
- Only includes attributes that can be technically represented — so it's a technical projection of a person's real-world identity
- Multiple digital identities can belong to one person (email accounts, social media profiles, work accounts)
- Digital identities can be created, modified, stolen, and deleted — unlike physical identity traits
Technically representable attributes (course examples, Hansen & Meissner):
- Passport number, driver's license number
- Phone number, e-mail address
- Name, credit card number
- Bank account number, blood type
- Date of birth, frequent-flyer number
- Usernames, IP addresses
Note how this mixes strong identifiers (passport number) with attributes that only identify in combination — anything digitally storable about you can become part of a digital identity.
Key risk: Digital identities are both more portable and more vulnerable than physical identities. Identity theft in the digital world can happen remotely, at scale, and often without the victim's knowledge.
Go deeper:
Digital identity (Wikipedia) — the technically-representable subset of identity attributes.