A Model for Identity in the Cyber and Natural Universes

In this paper we describe a model for evaluating and investigating holistic identities across both the cyber- and natural-worlds. The model is taxonomy-agnostic and helps guide analysts through the creation of a rich super identity whilst also being flexible enough for users to deploy their intuition and experience. Super identities are created by iterative stages of enrichment and relaxation, which allow the super identity to grow and include more elements of identity. The confidence in individual elements can be propagated so as to provide an overall level of confidence in the super identity. The quality of the final, rich super identity can be metricized, identifying good qualities of the super identity such as reinforcement of elements and consensus within element types. This work is a key enabling component of a large inter-disciplinary project called Super identity, which is seeking to develop the model through understanding the elements of identity which might be available and how their reliability might vary according to context. In addition to this aim the project looks to develop visual analytic support to help validate the modelling approach. In particular demonstrating the model's use by analysts seeking to make identity attributions.