Information Card Frequently asked Questions

What are Information Cards?

Information Cards are a new way to communicate information to a website. Information Cards are digital documents that come in two flavors: cards you uniquely generate yourself in an Identity Selector, and cards that you get from an authority who communicates on your behalf. Information cards include powerful cryptographic safeguards that make it tough for attackers to compromise your accounts or your data, yet all you have to do is select a card, and everything else is taken care of you.

What do I need to use Information Cards

You will need to get an Identity Selector. Identity Selectors let you manage your cards, and do all the cryptographic heavy lifting. Once you install your Identity Selector, you can create cards from scratch or download cards from an information card provider, and then use those cards to get to websites, or for other purposes.

Is my platform supported?

There are selectors for Linux, Windows, and MacOSX, in both proprietary and open source flavors. Look at the list below to find the one that's right for you.

Where can I get an Identity Selector?

Check this list for a list of Identity Selectors!

How can I associate an Information Card with my Account?

(Remember you need a selector before this will work)

If you don't have an account yet

  • Click on the purple "i", and your selector will start.
  • Select a card (if you don't have one yet you should be able to create one right then.
  • Once you select your card and send it, you will see a form where you can optionally change your username and set a password
  • Your card will then be associated to a brand new card, and you will be able login with just the card after that.

If you already have a regular account

  • Login with your regular username and password
  • You should see a link on the page called "Card Management" - click it
  • You will see a link on the page that says "Attach a new Card" - click that
  • Your selector will start
  • Select a card (if you don't have one yet you should be able to create one right then).
  • Once you select your card and send it, you will see a new entry for your new card on your card management card - test it by logging out and then clicking the purple "i" to login without using a username or password

How do I login with an Information Card?

Just click on the purple "i" (which looks like this: ) and select your card.

How can I learn more about Information Cards?

Here are some resources dedicated to learning more about information cards:

What software license does this software use?

Pamela project core libraries use the modified BSD license, but plugin-specific parts use the same license as the framework they are build to run on.