# Introduction

## Understanding Passport

Passport is a digital identity system designed specifically for researchers, streamlining their access to controlled biomedical datasets. By implementing [Global Alliance for Genomics & Health](https://www.ga4gh.org/) (GA4GH) authorization and identity standards, Passport enables sophisticated data sharing policies and verification of researcher credentials across multiple identities.

### Core Functions

Passport manages researcher identity and access through several key capabilities:

* Authentication through supported identity providers
* Unification of multiple user accounts
* Standardized attribution of user identities
* Support for distributed access control

### Integration with DNAstack

As the identity management system for DNAstack's product suite, Passport provides unified access across [Explorer](../explorer/introduction), [Publisher](../publisher/introduction) or [Workbench](../workbench/introduction). Users need a Passport account to access any of these platforms.
