The Domains of Identity: A Framework for Understanding Identity Systems in Contemporary Society

A Foundational Framework for Digital Identity

In a world where data about who we are is generated with every click, purchase, and login, making sense of identity has never been more urgent. Kaliya Young—long known as the Identity Woman—brings years of experience from the front lines of user-centric identity and data ecosystems to this groundbreaking book. The Domains of Identity provides a clear, structured way to understand what identity means in contemporary society, how it is represented, and why its governance touches every corner of our digital lives.

What the Framework Illuminates

Young introduces a multi-domain approach that separates identity into distinct but interrelated components. Rather than treating all personal information as one undifferentiated mass, she distinguishes between attributes, identifiers, credentials, and behavioral data. This framework helps readers see how various types of identity data interact—and why a breach or misuse in one domain can cascade across others. The book brings much-needed clarity to conversations about privacy, consent, and the ethical use of personal information.

Why Identity Governance Matters

The rise of surveillance capitalism and the increasing power of technology platforms have turned personal data into both an asset and a vulnerability. Young connects the technical design of identity systems to fundamental human needs for autonomy, dignity, and community. Her analysis shows that the choices we make about identity infrastructure are not merely technical—they are ethical, political, and deeply personal.

Who Should Read This Book

Whether you are a technologist building identity solutions, a policymaker shaping data protection laws, a privacy advocate, a student of information science, or simply someone curious about how your digital self is constructed, this book offers a rigorous yet accessible foundation. It does not assume prior expertise, making it valuable for newcomers and veterans alike.

From the Anthem Press Series

As the lead volume in the Ethics of Personal Data Collection Series, this book sets the stage for a vital public conversation about data, personhood, and the future of digital rights. Young’s work is both a historical reference and a forward-looking guide, offering readers tools to think critically about the systems that increasingly define modern life.

Get your digital edition today and gain a clearer picture of how identity works—and what is at stake.