OpenID allows you to use an existing identity to sign in to multiple websites, without needing to create new passwords.

With OpenID, your password is only given to your identity provider, and that provider then confirms your identity to the websites you visit. Other than your provider, no website ever sees your password, so you don’t need to worry about an unscrupulous or insecure website compromising your identity.

Who Owns or Controls OpenID?

OpenID was created in the summer of 2005 by an open source community trying to solve a problem that was not easily solved by other existing identity technologies. As such, OpenID is decentralized and not owned by anyone, nor should it be. Today, anyone can choose to use an OpenID or become an OpenID Provider for free without having to register or be approved by any organization.

Surprise! You may already have an OpenID.

If you use any of the following popular services, you already have your own OpenID. Below are instructions on how to sign in with each of the following providers on an OpenID enabled website. (When you see bold text, you should replace it with your own username or screenname on that service.)

Look for the “Sign in with a Google Account” button.

Look for the “Sign in with Yahoo” button.

Enter your blog: “blogname. blogspot.com”

Look for the “Sign in with Yahoo” button or enter “www.flickr.com /username”

Enter your WordPress.com URL, for example: “username. wordpress.com

Look for a “Sign in with AOL” button or enter “openid.aol.com /screenname”

Tags: Get an OpenID, OpenId