Quote from: alekblom on October 19, 2024, 06:28:16 PM

It's been years now since I started hearing people building out zero-knowledge proof technology with crypto. Basic apps and script with this tech can be created really easily and I was hoping to see zero-knowledge proofs being utilized to fight spam on the internet, remove the need for captchas on the internet, verify online voting in elections, and much more cool stuff. What is holding it back?

The idea of zero-knowledge proofs for anyone not familiar with it can be easily explained with an example like this. Someone on the internet that you don't know and don't trust wants to verify that your first name is indeed "Frolo", as you tell him. You don't want to take a photo of your passport and give him, instead you upload the passport photo to an app that is open source and coded so that it can look at a passport and get the first name for anyone. After that it deletes the photo without storing any other information. It then gives that verified proof that your first name is "Frolo" to that guy on the internet and he trusts it.

This is an interesting point about zero knowledge evidence! ZKP's flexibility in areas such as online voting Identification And the spam reduction is enormous. I think the biggest roadblocks so far have probably been technical complexity and a general lack of understanding. Although basic ZKP tools can be used But real-world testing especially in areas like grades or blocking widespread spam is expensive. More infrastructure is required. and more trust from institutions and citizens

Another factor could be user engagement. Most people are not familiar with ZKP or how to use it. Therefore, they may be hesitant to include these ZKPs in their daily programs. Additionally, organizations that control today's online ecosystem may need to quickly adopt strategies that challenge existing models (e.g., advertising or social media).

Quote from: IShishkin on Today at 02:51:25 PM

Zero-knowledge proof technology in crypto space is used in privacy coins or transaction with more difficult traceability.

Unfortunately, information about ZKP broadcasted by influencers in social media is often a bullshit. This information often has a form of "explanation of ZKP for dummies". Your "example" is a typical example of this misinformation. No ZKP can prove that ones name is Frolo.

The best example of ZKP is a common fraud. A fraudster (prover) decepts (prove) a victim (verifier) that his statement is true by providing irrelevant data and exploiting victims confusion.

In ZKP model "true statement" is not the one that is true but one which is accepted as a true by the victim of deception.

Good point, ZKP is frequently very roughly defined. And of course officials lie in such awkward ways when talking about problems from time to time. Proof of knowledge Zero-Knowledge Especially in the crypto space, it's based on privacy and complex transactions. But I feel as seen with private currencies, like Zcash, the true, broader potential of ZKP tech goes well beyond that scope. Even though it is a developmental project, still in the initial stages of implementation.

Though, just an example that you might mentioned about ZKP with cheating. That's pretty interesting. But then, remember that ZKP is never cheating by nature. It is a tool. And just like every other tool of its kind, it is either good or not very good. I think the challenge would lie in making sure people know how it works at a deeper level. ZKP got the right advantages - like improving privacy or identity verification without compromising sensitive data if carried out transparently.