SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an OASIS standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between security domains. It defines protocols for single sign-on and federated identity management. SAML assertions contain statements that can express authentication, authorization decisions, or attributes about a subject. SAML uses XML signatures and encryption to ensure assertions can be securely exchanged. Common use cases include web single sign-on across multiple domains and federated identity management where user attributes and identifiers are shared between organizations in a privacy-preserving manner.