ICOPC — International Credential of Press Correspondents

Digital identity verification protocol for journalists worldwide.

Overview

ICOPC is an open digital credential framework designed to provide verifiable, privacy-preserving press credentials for journalists globally — particularly those in underserved regions who lack access to traditional press identification systems.

Core Architecture

┌─────────────────┐     ┌──────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐
│  Journalist App  │     │  Blockchain Layer │     │  Verifier Node   │
│                  │     │                  │     │                  │
│ · Local storage  │ ──→ │ · Identity hash  │ ──→ │ · NFC reader     │
│ · Selective      │     │ · Immutable      │     │ · QR scanner     │
│   disclosure     │     │ · Cross-chain    │     │ · Online API     │
│ · Privacy ctrl   │     │ · Interoperable  │     │ · Offline verify │
└─────────────────┘     └──────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘

Key Features

• W3C Verifiable Credentials — Standards-compliant digital credentials
• Zero-Knowledge Proofs — Privacy-preserving verification
• NFC + QR Dual Carrier — Both physical and digital credential forms
• Cross-border Recognition — Designed for international press mobility
• Dynamic Permission Tags — Configurable access levels (BA_GLOBAL, OA_UN_GLOBAL, etc.)

Credential Structure

{
  "credential_id": "ICOPC-{country_code}-{org_code}-{seq}",
  "holder": {
    "name": "string",
    "photo_hash": "string",
    "organization": "string",
    "role": "string"
  },
  "credentials": {
    "type": "PressCredential",
    "level": "registered | certified | senior",
    "permissions": ["BA_GLOBAL", "OA_UN_GLOBAL"],
    "valid_from": "ISO8601",
    "valid_until": "ISO8601"
  },
  "issuer": {
    "org": "ICO - International Communication Organization",
    "did": "did:ico:..."
  }
}

Endorsements

• 🏛️ UN Global Digital Compact — Endorsed Signatory
• 📚 UNESCO Media & Information Literacy Alliance — Member
• 🌍 UN Internet Governance Forum — DC-JAMC Dynamic Coalition Member

Status

🔵 Under Active Development

This repository will contain:

• Verification protocol specifications
• Reference implementation code
• Data format definitions (JSON Schema)
• SDK for third-party integration

License

• Specification documents: CC BY 4.0
• Reference implementation: Apache 2.0

Contact

• Organization: www.icoun.org
• Inquiries: info@icoun.org