International Standard Name Identifier

The International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) is a 16-digit number which uniquely identifies people who have contributed to creative works such as books, newspapers, music, plays, movies, and television programs. The ISNI Agency runs the database of numbers. It is part of the International Organization for Standardization. 
The ISNI Agency holds public records of over 9.8 million identities. The ISNI database project began in 2011.