> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/learn/what-is-decentralized-identity-on-bitcoin.md).

# What is Decentralized Identity on Bitcoin?

Decentralized identity puts users in control of their identifiers. On Bitcoin, the main example is BNS names on Stacks.

Decentralized identity gives you control of an identifier that no company issues or can take away. You prove ownership with a private key instead of a login.

A common form is the decentralized identifier (DID): a unique identifier recorded on a blockchain and controlled by the holder's key.

## BNS on Stacks

On Bitcoin, the main example is the Bitcoin Name System (BNS), which runs as smart contracts on Stacks. A BNS name, such as `name.btc`, is a readable name owned by a Stacks address.

* Each name is unique.
* Only the key that owns the name can change or transfer it.
* Apps and wallets can show and resolve the name instead of the long address.

## BNS in Leather

* Your BNS names show in the Collectibles tab on the Home screen.
* When sending STX, you can enter a BNS name as the recipient.

See [What is BNS?](/learn/bns.md).