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