Visible Digital Seal
Discover how Visible Digital Seals ensure the authenticity and integrity of documents through open international standards.
What is VDS?
The Visible Digital Seal (VDS) is a technology based on open, international standards that ensures the authenticity and integrity of information on documents and objects.
VDS encodes critical data into a 2D barcode that is cryptographically signed, enabling instant verification of document authenticity without requiring a network connection.
Origins and Development
The VDS technology traces its origins to France's Ministry of the Interior initiative addressing security vulnerabilities in proof-of-residence documents. The 2D-Doc system has been operational since 2012.
Building on this proven foundation, the international community developed ISO 22376 (trust environment) and ISO 22385 (technical specification), creating a globally interoperable standard for document authentication.
How Does VDS Work?
Secure Data Package
VDS creates a digitally signed data package containing the document's critical information. The cryptographic signature ensures that any tampering with the content is immediately detectable.
Manifest File
A Manifest file serves as a rulebook for a specific VDS type. It defines what data fields are included, how they should be encoded, and what validation rules apply. Each Manifest has a unique UUID.
Trusted Directory
Trust Lists provide the verification infrastructure. They contain the certificates of authorized issuers, enabling verifiers to confirm that a seal was created by a legitimate entity.
Secure Display Format
The sealed data is rendered as a 2D barcode (such as DataMatrix or QR Code) that can be printed on documents or displayed digitally, making it easily scannable for verification.
Advantages of Implementing VDS
Authentication
Verify the identity of the document issuer through cryptographic signatures linked to trusted certificate authorities.
Tamper-Proof Integrity
Detect any modification to the sealed data, ensuring document content has not been altered since issuance.
Standardization
Built on ISO 22376 and ISO 22385, ensuring global interoperability and long-term viability.
Operational Efficiency
Automate document verification processes, reducing manual checks and associated costs.
Privacy by Design
Only the data explicitly included in the seal is verifiable, protecting sensitive information.
Offline Verification
VDS can be verified without an internet connection, using locally cached trust lists and certificates.
Multi-Format Support
Compatible with various barcode formats including DataMatrix, QR Code, and Aztec Code.
Cost-Effective
Reduce fraud-related losses and verification costs through automated, standards-based authentication.
Beyond Security
VDS goes beyond document security to enable operational efficiency gains. By automating verification processes and reducing reliance on manual checks, organizations can significantly reduce costs while improving accuracy and speed.