Ogenalabs
Zero-Knowledge Identity Protocol
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Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Identity
Privacy

Zero-Knowledge Identity Protocol

Project Overview

The Zero-Knowledge Identity Protocol (ZKID) is a privacy-preserving digital identity system that enables users to prove specific attributes about themselves without revealing unnecessary personal information. Using advanced zero-knowledge proof cryptography, ZKID allows for selective disclosure of identity information, giving users control over their data while providing verifiers with cryptographic certainty about the claims being made.

The Challenge

Traditional digital identity systems face several critical challenges:

  1. Privacy Concerns: Most systems require users to reveal more information than necessary
  2. Data Breaches: Centralized identity databases are attractive targets for hackers
  3. Correlation Risks: Service providers can track users across different contexts
  4. Lack of User Control: Users have limited agency over how their data is used
  5. Inclusion Barriers: Many identity systems exclude those without traditional documentation

Our Solution

ZKID addresses these challenges through a comprehensive approach:

1. Zero-Knowledge Proofs

At the core of our solution are zero-knowledge proofs that allow users to prove statements without revealing the underlying data:

  • Age Verification: Prove you're over 18 without revealing your birthdate
  • Income Verification: Prove your income exceeds a threshold without revealing the exact amount
  • Credential Verification: Prove you possess a credential without revealing its details
// Example of our ZK proof generation for age verification
async function generateAgeProof(
  birthDate: Date,
  minimumAge: number,
  userPrivateKey: string,
): Promise<AgeProof> {
  // Calculate user's age
  const today = new Date();
  const age = today.getFullYear() - birthDate.getFullYear();

  // Adjust age if birthday hasn't occurred yet this year
  if (
    today.getMonth() < birthDate.getMonth() ||
    (today.getMonth() === birthDate.getMonth() &&
      today.getDate() < birthDate.getDate())
  ) {
    age--;
  }

  // Create a proof that age >= minimumAge without revealing actual age
  const circuit = await loadCircuit("age-verification.circom");
  const witness = await circuit.calculateWitness({
    age: age,
    minimumAge: minimumAge,
    userPrivateKey: userPrivateKey,
  });

  const proof = await snarkjs.groth16.prove(circuit.provingKey, witness);

  return {
    proof: proof,
    publicSignals: witness.publicSignals,
  };
}

2. Decentralized Identity Architecture

Our architecture puts users in control of their identity:

  • Self-Sovereign Storage: Users control their own identity data
  • Verifiable Credentials: Cryptographically signed attestations from trusted issuers
  • Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs): Persistent, cryptographically verifiable identifiers

3. Selective Disclosure

Users can precisely control what information they share:

  • Attribute-Based Disclosure: Share only specific attributes
  • Predicate Proofs: Prove conditions about attributes without revealing them
  • Contextual Identities: Use different identifiers in different contexts

Technical Architecture

ZKID consists of several key components:

Identity Wallet

The user-controlled application for managing identity:

  • Credential Storage: Securely stores verifiable credentials
  • Proof Generation: Creates zero-knowledge proofs locally
  • Consent Management: Tracks what has been shared with whom

Credential Issuance Framework

The system for trusted entities to issue verifiable credentials:

  • Issuer Verification: Ensures credentials come from legitimate sources
  • Credential Schemas: Standardized formats for different credential types
  • Revocation Registry: Allows issuers to revoke credentials when necessary

Verification Protocol

The mechanism for verifying claims without compromising privacy:

  • Proof Verification: Cryptographically verifies zero-knowledge proofs
  • Issuer Registry: Maintains a list of trusted credential issuers
  • Verification Policies: Configurable rules for what proofs are acceptable
// Simplified on-chain verification contract
contract ZKIDVerifier {
// Mapping of trusted issuers (DID -> true/false)
mapping(bytes32 => bool) public trustedIssuers;

    // Admin can update trusted issuers
    function updateTrustedIssuer(bytes32 issuerDID, bool trusted) external onlyAdmin {
        trustedIssuers[issuerDID] = trusted;
    }

    // Verify a zero-knowledge proof
    function verifyProof(
        bytes calldata proof,
        bytes32 issuerDID,
        bytes32 schemaHash,
        bytes calldata publicInputs
    ) external view returns (bool) {
        // Check if the issuer is trusted
        require(trustedIssuers[issuerDID], "Untrusted issuer");

        // Verify the proof using the appropriate verification key
        bytes32 verificationKeyHash = keccak256(abi.encodePacked(issuerDID, schemaHash));
        VerificationKey memory vk = verificationKeys[verificationKeyHash];

        // Perform the cryptographic verification
        return snarkVerify(proof, publicInputs, vk);
    }

    // Internal function to verify the ZK proof
    function snarkVerify(
        bytes memory proof,
        bytes memory publicInputs,
        VerificationKey memory vk
    ) internal pure returns (bool) {
        // Implementation of the Groth16 verification algorithm
        // ...
        return true; // Simplified for this example
    }

}

Implementation Details

Zero-Knowledge Proof Systems

We've implemented several ZK proof systems for different use cases:

  • Groth16: Efficient for simple statements with a trusted setup
  • PlonK: More flexible for complex statements with universal setup
  • Bulletproofs: Efficient for range proofs without trusted setup

Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

Beyond ZK proofs, we employ additional privacy technologies:

  • Hierarchical Deterministic Keys: Generate different keys for different services
  • Blind Signatures: Obtain signatures without the signer seeing the message
  • Private Information Retrieval: Access data without revealing which data is accessed

Integration Capabilities

ZKID is designed for easy integration with existing systems:

  • OAuth/OIDC Extensions: Compatible with standard authentication protocols
  • Mobile SDK: Native libraries for iOS and Android
  • Web Components: Easy integration with web applications
  • Blockchain Connectors: Interfaces with major blockchain networks

Use Cases

ZKID enables numerous privacy-preserving identity scenarios:

1. Financial Services

  • KYC Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements without excessive data sharing
  • Credit Worthiness: Prove creditworthiness without revealing financial history
  • Anti-Money Laundering: Comply with AML regulations while preserving privacy

2. Healthcare

  • Insurance Verification: Prove insurance coverage without revealing policy details
  • Age-Appropriate Care: Verify age brackets without revealing exact age
  • Clinical Trial Eligibility: Prove eligibility without revealing medical history

3. Digital Citizenship

  • Voting Eligibility: Prove voting eligibility without revealing personal details
  • Social Benefits: Access benefits without duplicating identity verification
  • Education Credentials: Verify educational achievements privately

4. Online Platforms

  • Age Verification: Access age-restricted content without revealing birthdate
  • Bot Prevention: Prove humanity without persistent tracking
  • Reputation Portability: Carry reputation across platforms without correlation

Privacy and Security Considerations

We've designed ZKID with privacy and security as foundational principles:

Privacy by Design

  • Data Minimization: Only the minimum necessary data is ever shared
  • Purpose Limitation: Clear boundaries on how data can be used
  • Storage Limitation: Credentials can have expiration dates

Security Measures

  • End-to-End Encryption: All communications are encrypted
  • Forward Secrecy: Compromise of keys doesn't affect past interactions
  • Secure Enclaves: Optional use of hardware security for key protection

Ethical Considerations

  • Informed Consent: Clear explanations of what is being shared
  • Revocation Rights: Users can revoke access to previously shared information
  • Inclusivity: Design accommodates users with varying technical capabilities

Current Status (as of Q1 2025)

The Zero-Knowledge Identity Protocol (ZKID) has achieved significant milestones:

  • Core Protocol: V1 live and audited; V2 incorporating performance improvements under development.
  • Mobile Wallet: Stable release available on Android and iOS, with enhanced UX.
  • Issuer Framework: Expanded partnerships with government and enterprise issuers.
  • Verifier SDK: Widely adopted, with improved documentation and support.
  • Biometric Integration: Launched and operational within the mobile wallet.
  • Cross-Platform Sync: Implemented for seamless credential management.
  • Decentralized Reputation: V1 deployed on testnet.
  • Credential Recovery: Social recovery and hardware-based recovery options available.

Past Milestones (2023-2024)

  • Launched biometric authentication integration.
  • Established key government ID verification partnerships.
  • Released enterprise integration toolkit and Verifier SDK.
  • Implemented initial quantum-resistant cryptography options (hybrid mode).
  • Launched cross-platform credential synchronization.
  • Developed initial privacy-preserving analytics framework for system health.
  • Released decentralized reputation system V1 on testnet.
  • Implemented credential recovery mechanisms (social recovery).
  • Launched privacy-preserving KYC service pilot program.

Current & Future Roadmap (2025+)

Our focus for 2025 and beyond includes:

Q2 2025

  • Mainnet launch of the Decentralized Reputation system V1.
  • Integrate advanced ZKP schemes (e.g., PlonK) for more complex proofs.
  • Release V2 of the core protocol with performance enhancements.
  • Expand issuer network globally.

Q3 2025

  • Implement full quantum-resistant cryptography mode.
  • Launch privacy-preserving analytics framework V1 for users.
  • Introduce group signature capabilities for organizational identity.
  • Enhance developer tools for building ZKID-enabled applications.

Q4 2025

  • Deploy cross-chain identity features, linking ZKID across multiple blockchains.
  • Release hardware wallet integration for enhanced key security.
  • Introduce selective disclosure templates for common use cases (e.g., DeFi compliance).

2026+

  • Focus on achieving widespread adoption in key sectors (finance, healthcare, government).
  • Research and implement next-generation ZKP systems for improved efficiency and privacy.
  • Develop standards for interoperability with other identity systems.
  • Explore integration with emerging technologies like AI for enhanced identity verification.

Get Involved

We welcome contributions to the ZKID ecosystem:

  • Open Source Components: Many components of ZKID are open source
  • Developer Documentation: Comprehensive guides for integration
  • Community Forum: Discussion space for implementers and users
  • Research Collaboration: Academic partnerships on privacy technologies

Conclusion

The Zero-Knowledge Identity Protocol represents a fundamental shift in how digital identity can work. By putting privacy and user control at the center of the design, ZKID enables a future where individuals can participate fully in the digital world without sacrificing their privacy or security.

As digital interactions become increasingly central to our lives, the need for privacy-preserving identity solutions will only grow. ZKID provides the technical foundation for a more equitable, secure, and privacy-respecting digital identity ecosystem.