What is zkPass (ZKP)?

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Value Proposition

zkPass addresses the challenge of verifying private Web2 data (e.g., bank statements, social media credentials) in Web3 applications while maintaining privacy. By redesigning the TLS protocol into a three-party handshake (user, data source, zkPass node), it ensures data provenance and integrity. For example, a user can prove they’re over 18 without disclosing their birthdate, or verify income for a loan application without sharing bank details.

2. Technology & Architecture

The protocol uses Hybrid Zero-Knowledge Proofs (combining VOLE-ZK for speed and SNARKs for non-interactive verification) and Multi-Party Computation (MPC). Key innovations:
- 3P-TLS: A decentralized TLS handshake where encryption keys are split between users and nodes, preventing any single party from accessing raw data.
- Anti-Tamper Mechanisms: Validates client requests, server responses, and data conformity to predefined templates to prevent fraud.
- zkSBTs: Soul-bound tokens store verification results on-chain via Merkle trees, enabling reusable credentials.

3. Tokenomics & Governance

The $ZKP token (fixed supply: 1 billion) serves as:
- Settlement Medium: Required to pay for proof generation and verification.
- Validator Collateral: Nodes stake $ZKP to ensure network reliability.
- Governance: Token holders participate in DAO decisions, such as protocol upgrades and treasury allocations.

Conclusion

zkPass bridges Web2 and Web3 by transforming private internet data into verifiable, portable proofs while maintaining user control. Its fusion of MPC and ZKP technologies positions it as a critical infrastructure layer for trustless applications. How might industries like decentralized finance or healthcare leverage zkPass to redefine data-sharing standards?