Zero-knowledge proofs: A means of verification without sharing information

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 6, 2022

Insight summary

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) are transforming the way we protect our private information, allowing us to prove we possess certain information without revealing the specifics. This cryptographic technique is being applied across various sectors, from online voting systems to healthcare, enhancing security and privacy while reducing bias and improving compliance. However, the adoption of ZKP faces challenges such as the lack of standards and the need for high-powered computing capacity, which may affect its scalability.

Zero-knowledge proof context

ZKP may enable people to avoid divulging their financial, health, and other private information to platform services or organizations, while concurrently showing said services that they possess certain information relevant to a specific situation or context. ZKP is an authentication approach where passwords are not exchanged, making password theft difficult. It creates a secure and protected communication where nobody can access the information or files shared by a user. 

ZKP technology applies cryptographic algorithm techniques. The term "zero-knowledge" is derived from "zero" or no information being revealed about a shared secret in a communication between two parties. The first party (prover) demonstrates zero knowledge about the secret yet proves to the second party (verifier) that the prover knows what the secret is as a means of verification.

The concept of a ZKP proof can be explained using a simple analogy. Imagine a cave with two entrances, A and B. The two entrances are connected through a password-locked door. Alice (the prover) wants to show Bob (the verifier) that she knows the password but does not want to reveal the password. Alice enters through entrance A. Bob calls out to Alice, and Alice shows up through entrance B. However, Bob wants to be sure that Alice's first try was not by luck, so Bob repeatedly calls out Alice, and each time, Alice shows up through entrance B, proving that she knows the password without revealing it to Bob. 

Disruptive impact

ZKP proof is used when the first party does not want to entrust their private information to a second party but still must convince the second party that they have the required information. For example, identity authentication systems can be created to prove a person's identity without sharing any personal data of that person. Other use cases of ZKP include fraud prevention systems that require the age of the user, being used as an added layer of security and privacy in blockchain transactions, and using anonymous data to feed into the Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

Although passwords are cryptographically protected, the user still has to enter them in a browser in cleartext, making passwords vulnerable to theft. ZKP systems can create a more secure online infrastructure by moving away from password-based security protocols. By using ZKPs, users can provide authentication without having to enter any password. 

However, the adoption of ZKP technology faces several challenges, including the absence of standards, systems, and homogeneous languages. Furthermore, algorithms that ZKP technology often relies upon high-powered computing capacity, which can make the scalability of this technology challenging. 

Implications of zero-knowledge proofs

Wider implications of zero-knowledge proofs may include:

• The application of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) in online voting systems, enhancing the integrity and security of elections without compromising voter privacy.


• The integration of ZKP in social media platforms, allowing users to verify their age or location without revealing exact details, enhancing user privacy.


• The use of ZKP in supply chain management, enabling companies to verify the authenticity of products without disclosing sensitive information, leading to increased consumer confidence.


• The implementation of ZKP in healthcare, allowing patients to prove their eligibility for certain treatments without revealing their entire medical history, strengthening patient confidentiality.


• The adoption of ZKP in environmental monitoring, enabling organizations to verify compliance with environmental standards without disclosing proprietary information, leading to improved environmental stewardship.


• The application of ZKP in the job market, enabling job seekers to prove their qualifications without revealing specific details, reducing bias in hiring practices.


• The integration of ZKP in tax systems, enabling taxpayers to prove their tax compliance without revealing their entire financial status.

Questions to consider

• Do you think ZKP technology can be applied to electronic voting?


• Do you think a secure electronic auction and procurement is possible through ZKP systems?