The IDS Information Model: A Semantic Vocabulary for Sovereign Data Exchange

Abstract

The Information Model of the International Data Spaces (IDS-IM) is the central integration enabler for the semantic interoperability in any IDS ecosystem. It contains the terms and relationships to describe the IDS components, their interactions, and conditions under which data exchange and usage is possible. It thus presents the common denominator for the IDS and the foundation for any IDS communication. As such, its evolution cycles are deeply related with the maturity process of the IDS itself. This chapter makes the following contributions related to the IDS Information Model: a brief overview of the vocabulary, its guiding principles, and general features is supplied. Based on these explanations, several upcoming aspects are discussed that reflect the latest state of discussions about the declaration and cryptographic assurance of identities and decentralized identifiers, and how these need to be treated to ensure compliance with the IDS principles. In addition, we explain the latest developments around the IDS Usage Contract Language, the module of the IDS-IM that expresses Usage Contracts, and data restrictions. These definitions are further implemented with infrastructure components, in particular the presented, newly specified Policy Information Point and the Participant Information Service of the IDS.