ZK-proofs are more affordable than legacy ID systems — Cysic founder

As a researcher who has spent countless hours delving into the complexities of blockchain technology and its applications, I find myself firmly convinced that zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs are not just a passing trend, but a game-changer for decentralized identity solutions.


Zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in decentralized identity applications have sparked a debate in the crypto industry — with some arguing that ZK is too expensive and complex to implement. 

According to Leo Fan, the co-founder of ZK hardware company Cysic, although Zero-Knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) have traditionally been expensive, they are actually more economical compared to identity systems operated by centralized organizations in the long run.

In an interview with CryptoMoon, the co-founder explained that advancements in hardware and more efficient proof generation have substantially reduced costs and finality time for ZK-proofs, which were already less costly than traditional identification systems requiring sprawling bureaucracies and potentially billions of dollars to operate. Fan stated:

“Zero-knowledge proofs were quite expensive to run at the beginning of this year, but we have been accelerating the proof generation to make it more convenient for people. So in that sense, we are reducing the barrier to using ZK.”

The time required to generate ZK-proofs is now around 10 seconds, according to Fan, making ZK a viable method of decentralized identification and a “public good” that can maximize privacy while still preserving the screening functions required for proof of ID scenarios.

ZK-proofs are more affordable than legacy ID systems — Cysic founder

Other countries adopt ZK-powered identity solutions

The founder of Cysic also lauded the recent deployment of ZK-based digital ID to 3.6 million residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina. On October 21st, government officials unveiled the incorporation of QuarkID into the current miBA identification system, allowing individuals more control over their biometric data by opting for increased independence.

During the month of August, Worldcoin deployed their World ID orbs in Vienna, Austria. These gadgets gather biometric information by scanning the irises of potential users and transforming unique personal identifiers into cryptographic verifications, which serve as evidence of individual identity.

In the same month, the Malaysian government reached an agreement with Worldcoin to incorporate their iris-scanning devices, referred to as orbs, into the nation’s formal identification structure.

The collaboration also included Tools for Humanity, and MyEG — a firm that specializes in bridging the gap between government services and the population.

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2024-11-02 00:10