Digital Identity

Last Updated 05/23/2025
Citation
APA
Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. (2024). Digital Identity. Retrieved 13 September 2026, from https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/digital-identity/
MLA
"Digital Identity." Learn & Work Ecosystem Library, 26 November 2024, https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/digital-identity/. Accessed 13-09-2026.
Chicago Footnote or Endnote
"Digital Identity," Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. 13-09-2026, https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/digital-identity/.
Chicago only requires the accessed date in a citation if no publication date is listed for the source. While many of the Library's entries include a 'last updated' timestamp, some do not, and for these you should include your accessed date.
Chicago Bibliography
"Digital Identity." Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. 13-09-2026. https://learnworkecosystemlibrary.com/glossary/digital-identity/.

Refers to a profile of individuals’ or entities’ online interactions and behaviors. The identity is a collection of data about an individual, organization, or electronic device that exists online. It includes unique identifiers and usage patterns used to recognize individuals or their devices across the digital ecosystem. They are often tied to identifiers such as usernames, passwords, or device IDs like Internet Protocol addresses. These identifiers are needed for authentication processes — to determine how individuals and devices are recognized and verified across the internet.

An array of data points may be used in constructing digital identifiers: username and password combinations, purchasing behaviors or transaction histories, birth date, social security number, online search activities and electronic transactions, and medical history. These data points form the detailed profile of individuals' or entities' online interactions and behaviors.

Digital identities are commonly used by website owners and advertisers to track users and tailor content delivery that aligns with users’ preferences and behaviors.

Request an Edit

Have something to add or refine? Your input in this work matters greatly and we look forward to reviewing your additions

How useful was this resource?

Click on a star to rate it!

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this resource.

Organizations (527)

Initiatives (672)

Topic Briefs (160)