A method for managing identification in a data communications network includes receiving a user-controlled secure storage device and enrolling the user with an authority network site. The enrolling includes providing information requested by the authority network site. The method also includes receiving user data in response to the enrolling, storing the user data in the user-controlled secure storage device, enabling the user-controlled secure storage device to release the user data and using the user data at a service provider network site to obtain a service.