Blockchain-Based Identity Management in Distributed Systems: An Integrated Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

The proliferation of distributed systems has transformed how digital identities are managed, verified, and protected. However, traditional identity management approaches remain Centralised, vulnerable to breaches, and often fail to provide users with control over their personal data. This thesis explores a blockchain-based approach to identity management that aims to address these limitations by leveraging the decentralised, immutable, and cryptographically secure nature of blockchain technology.

The research investigates both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations of blockchain-based identity management systems (BIMS), focusing on how they enhance privacy, security, and user sovereignty. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining qualitative data from expert interviews and case studies with quantitative data derived from user surveys, simulations, and security performance metrics. Key case studies include government-initiated digital identity systems (e.g., Estonia's eID), decentralised identity platforms (e.g., Sovrin, uPort), and private sector implementations. The qualitative analysis uncovers themes around trust, usability, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations, while the quantitative findings compare the effectiveness of blockchain-based solutions with traditional federated and centralised identity management systems across parameters such as security incidents, latency, scalability, and adoption rates.

The study proposes a modular architecture for a blockchain-based identity management framework, incorporating self-sovereign identity principles, smart contract governance, and zero-knowledge proof mechanisms. The prototype developed demonstrates the feasibility and performance advantages of such a framework in simulated environments. Statistical evaluations reveal up to a 65% reduction in identity fraud incidents and a 40% improvement in authentication efficiency when compared with conventional systems.

The findings contribute to the academic discourse on digital identity by presenting a rigorous, evidence-backed analysis of how blockchain can redefine identity management in distributed ecosystems. Furthermore, the thesis offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, developers, and stakeholders seeking to implement secure and decentralised identity solutions. Limitations and avenues for future research, particularly around scalability, interoperability, and global regulatory alignment, are also discussed.

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