Internet Identity 2.0: The New User Experience

Have you tried signing into Caffeine? You may have noticed something.To login to Caffeine, you use Internet Identity 2.0. This is a new version of the authentication service for the Internet Computer, and it provides an upgraded experience.This article explains what Internet Identity 2.0 is, its benefits, and how you can use the option to upgrade from Internet Identity 1.0.What Is Internet Identity 2.0?Internet Identity 2.0 is a complete redesign of the Internet Computer’s authentication service. It has been built to make the secure login process simpler and more user-friendly for everyone.Key ImprovementsThe new authentication service brings several improvements.Passkeys: Internet Identity uses the latest passkey standards for enhanced security. Users can store their private keys on their devices, such as their smartphones, to use Internet Identity.No More Identity Numbers: With Internet Identity 1.0, users had to remember or store their identity numbers. This is no longer the case with 2.0. This is possible thanks to a technology called Discoverable Passkeys. The main benefit for users is a simpler login without needing to track a number.Sign-in with Google: The upgraded Internet Identity includes the option for users to use their Google Account as an authentication option. This makes it easy for the billions of Google Account users around the world to sign up to Internet Identity with a familiar method.A Redesigned Interface: The entire login process has a fresh design that is more intuitive to navigate.Multiple Accounts from One Identity: You can create various accounts for a single application from one identity. This removes the need to manage separate identities for different roles, like a test account.How to Upgrade Your Internet IdentityThe upgrade process is straightforward and does not affect your data or login information. After the upgrade, your identity works with the new system while remaining fully usable with existing applications.There are two options.Visit id.ai directly and follow the upgrade steps.If you already have an Internet identity, upgrade the next time you log in to Caffeine or any app using id.ai by following these three upgrade steps.Steps to upgrade:Click on “Upgrade.”2. Enter your Internet Identity number. You will then be prompted to authenticate with your current passkeys.3. Enter a name for your identity. Internet Identity 2.0 introduces names for the identities. These are not unique names, but names that help you identify your Internet Identity. You will be prompted to create a new passkey after this step.That’s it! Simple and quick.Key Questions About the UpgradeWhat happens now if I do not upgrade from Internet Identity 1.0? You cannot use your existing identity to sign into id.ai or use applications that require the new login system, including Caffeine.Will I lose my login information or data if I upgrade? You won’t lose anything. Your login information remains unchanged, and there is no data loss.Will apps using Internet Identity 1.0 stop working? No. Apps using Internet Identity 1.0 will continue to work as usual. Your upgraded identity is compatible with both the existing and new systems.What is the “primary account” I see after upgrading? This is the same account you used with Internet Identity 1.0. To continue using your existing account with your applications, you only need to select this default option in Internet Identity 2.0.Should I upgrade? For now, you only need to upgrade for certain apps like Caffeine. As the Internet Identity 2.0 is rolled out, in the future, other apps will also be updated to use 2.0.You can find more information on the the Internet Identity upgrade FAQ page.For DevelopersTo find out more about integrating Internet Identity 2.0. in your apps, read these posts on the Internet Computer Developer Forum:Internet Identity 2.0Existing Users UpgradeReady to upgrade or create an identity for the first time? Visit id.ai.Internet Identity 2.0: The New User Experience was originally published in The Internet Computer Review on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.