Zero Knowledge Proofs

Written by Aidan Mott

Introduction

Zero-knowledge proofs allows for a party to prove their knowledge of information to another party without having to share the actual information. When implemented into cryptocurrency zero-knowledge proofs allow for anonymous transactions.

The idea of Zero-knowledge proofs was developed in a paper written in 1989 by Goldwasser, Micali, and Rackoff. Zero-knowledge proofs have 3 primary characteristics. The first two characteristics are completeness and soundness, completeness meaning that if the prover is following protocol and provides a true statement then the verifier should be satisfied with the honesty of the message, and soundness meaning. If the prover is acting dishonestly than the verifier should be to identify the dishonesty and not be satisfied with the integrity of the proof. The last characteristic Zero-knowledge, means that if a prover provides a true statement while following protocol no information should be shared outside of the fact that the prover knows the information.

First implemented into cryptocurrency via ZK-snarks in 2016 with the cryptocurrency zcash. Zk-Snarks short for Zero-knowledge Succint non-interactive argument of knowledge. Zk proofs allow for holders of an address to be able to shield their transactions to send and receive transactions without sharing their address or any information about the transaction to a public blockchain.

Suggested Reading

What Is Zero-Knowledge Proof And Why You Should Care by Harry Alford

WTF is Zero-Knowledge Proof by Oscar W

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