__Decentralized identifiers__ (DIDs) are a type of identifier that enables a verifiable, decentralized Digital Identity. They are based on the Self-sovereign identity paradigm. A DID identifies any subject (e.g., a person, organization, thing, data model, abstract entity, etc.) that the controller of the DID decides that it identifies - wikipedia 
The standard elements of a DID doc - wikimedia
DIDs are URLs that associate a DID subject with a DID document allowing trustable interactions associated with that subject.
# Independence These identifiers are designed to enable the controller of a DID to prove control over it and to be implemented independently of any centralized registry, identity provider, or certificate authority.
# Proof Each DID document can express cryptographic material, verification methods, or service endpoints, which provide a set of mechanisms enabling a DID controller to prove control of the DID.
# Service endpoints Service endpoints enable trusted interactions associated with the DID subject. A DID document might contain semantics about the subject that it identifies. A DID document might contain the DID subject itself (e.g. a data model).
# Standardization efforts
The W3C DID Working Group is currently developing a standard for decentralized identifiers. It intends to standardize the core architecture, data model and representation of DIDs - wikipedia
# See also