webid-json-ld

WebID-JSON-LD Specification

Author: Melvin Carvalho

Abstract

The WebID-JSON-LD specification extends the WebID protocol to include JSON-LD formatted RDF responses, providing a structured, decentralized method for identity discovery via a JSON-based data format.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Terminology
3. WebID-JSON-LD Definition
4. Implementation Guidelines
5. Security Considerations
6. Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

The WebID-JSON-LD specification is an integral part of the WebID identity protocol suite, focusing specifically on the use of JSON-LD to enable the identification of webid:Agent entities in a manner that is both easily parseable and consistent with the principles of linked data.

2. Terminology

• WebID: A URI that dereferences to an RDF document, which asserts the identity of a webid:Agent.
• webid:Agent: An identifiable entity authenticated through a WebID.
• JSON-LD: JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data, a method of encoding linked data using JSON.
• RDF: Resource Description Framework, a specification for data interchange on the web.

3. WebID-JSON-LD Definition

A WebID-JSON-LD is a specific type of WebID which, when dereferenced, returns an RDF document formatted as JSON-LD. This document affirms that the URI identifies an entity of type webid:Agent.

Example of a JSON-LD response:

{
  "@context": "https://w3id.org/webid",
  "@id": "#me",
  "@type": "webid:Agent"
}

4. Implementation Guidelines

To implement a WebID-JSON-LD, one must provide a URI that resolves to an RDF document in JSON-LD format, asserting the URI’s relation to a webid:Agent. The response must correctly employ content negotiation to serve the JSON-LD format upon request.

Example of an HTTP request for a JSON-LD formatted WebID:

GET /#me HTTP/1.1
Host: example.org
Accept: application/ld+json

Note that the WebID could be .json, .jsonld or a structured data island in .html

5. Security Considerations

The implementation of WebID-JSON-LD should follow the security guidelines outlined in the broader WebID specification, with additional attention to the parsing and serialization of JSON data to prevent injection attacks.

6. Acknowledgments

Gratitude is extended to the WebID community and the JSON-LD working group for their insights and discussions that have contributed to this sub-specification.

Notes

WebID-JSON-LD is part of an open-ended series of sub-specifications under the WebID protocol, designed for adaptability and extensibility to incorporate various RDF formats, fostering a robust and decentralized identity verification system on the web.