Unchained

Why Zero-Knowledge Proofs Are Critical to Ethereum’s Future - Ep. 473

10 snips
Mar 28, 2023
Dan Boneh, a Stanford professor specializing in cryptography, and Ali Yahya, a general partner at a16z crypto, unravel the intricacies of zero-knowledge proofs and their pivotal role in blockchain. They discuss the nuances of SNARKs vs. STARKs, the magic behind recursive SNARKs, and the urgent need for privacy in decentralized applications. Their conversation explores how zkEVMs are essential for Ethereum's scalability and the potential of zero-knowledge technology in various sectors, from finance to social networks, while addressing challenges such as trusted setups and regulatory compliance.
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ANECDOTE

Ali's Crypto Journey

  • Ali Yahya's journey into crypto began at Stanford, sparked by the Bitcoin white paper in 2010.
  • Despite early involvement, he missed Bitcoin's potential, learning a "visceral lesson" after neglecting private keys.
ANECDOTE

Dan's Entry into Blockchain

  • Dan Boneh's interest in cryptography stems from its mathematical beauty and real-world applications.
  • His focus shifted to blockchains about a decade ago when his students inquired about Bitcoin.
INSIGHT

Zero-Knowledge Proofs Explained

  • Zero-knowledge proofs involve succinct proof systems, enabling verification of facts without revealing underlying details.
  • Analogies like Sudoku and "Where's Waldo" illustrate the concept of proving knowledge without disclosing the solution.
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