Zero-Knowledge Proofs

What Are Zero-Knowledge Proofs?

Zero-knowledge proofs (zk-proofs) are cryptographic techniques that allow one party (the prover) to demonstrate to another party (the verifier) that they possess certain knowledge without revealing the information itself. This method ensures both completeness and soundness, meaning the proof is valid and reliable without disclosing any additional data.

How Zero-Knowledge Proofs Work

The verifier requests the prover to perform specific tasks that only someone with the correct information could accomplish. If the prover is guessing, they will fail the verifier's test with a high probability.

Characteristics

Completeness: An honest prover can convince an honest verifier that they have the correct knowledge if the statement is true.

Soundness: A dishonest prover cannot convince an honest verifier if the statement is false.

Zero-knowledge: The verifier learns nothing beyond the fact that the statement is true.

Types of Zero-Knowledge Proofs: zk-SNARKs, zk-STARKs, PLONK and Bulletproofs.

Use Cases

Zero-knowledge proofs are used in private transactions, verifiable computations, scalable layer 2 solutions, and decentralized identity and authentication. Projects like Zcash, StarkNet, zkSync, and Loopring use ZKPs for enhanced security, privacy, and scalability.