Host and co-hosts share predictions, hopes, and worries for ZK in 2024. They cover emerging ideas, research predictions, dream applications, best and worst case scenarios. The speaker discussions range from the revival of trusted setup to potential applications of ZK proofs outside of blockchain. They also explore bug events, political support, and breakthroughs in cryptography.
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Quick takeaways
In 2024, there will be a shift towards multivariate polynomial IOPs, expanded use of lookups and composition of different ZK techniques, and improved client-side proofs.
The best case scenario for ZK in 2024 includes the development of non-financial privacy apps, widespread adoption of an identity product, and popular web 2.0 applications utilizing ZK.
The worst case scenario for ZK in 2024 involves a lack of traction for ZK rollups, prioritizing optimistic rollups, and a setback in the adoption of ZK technology.
The most likely scenario for ZK in 2024 is incremental progress in applied research, messy developer experience, increased number of developers working with ZK, and limited application use.
Deep dives
Emerging Ideas for 2024
In 2024, we expect to see the emergence of multivariate polynomial IOPs, which will expand the current focus on univariate constructions. Additionally, there will be a push for more extensive use of lookups and composition of different ZK techniques in research papers and applications. Performance improvements for client-side proofs will also be a key focus.
Best Case Scenario for ZK in 2024
The best case scenario for ZK in 2024 would include the development of a non-financial privacy app with provable safeguards against criminal activities. Additionally, the emergence of an identity product that gains widespread adoption and a popular web 2.0 application that utilizes ZK technology would be considered highly successful.
Worst Case Scenario for ZK in 2024
The worst case scenario for ZK in 2024 would involve a lack of traction for ZK rollups, leading to the continued dominance of optimistic rollups without prioritizing full guarantees over time. This could result in a setback for the adoption of ZK technology, with a potential shift back to centralized or optimistic solutions.
Most Likely Scenario for ZK in 2024
The most likely scenario for ZK in 2024 is that it remains primarily a research year, with limited applications finding widespread use. However, incremental progress in applied research, specifically in utilizing composition of ZK techniques, can be expected. The continuation of the messy developer experience and an increase in the number of developers working with ZK technology are also likely outcomes.
Black Swan Event for ZK in 2024
The black swan event for ZK in 2024 would be the discovery of a major bug in a critical Groth 16 library or underlying plonk version that many applications rely on. This event could severely impact the trust and adoption of ZK technology.
ZK Applications and Research
The podcast discusses the applications and research related to zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. The speakers highlight the importance of practical ZK implementations rather than just theoretical benchmarks. They mention the ZKBenge project as an example but anticipate more developments in this area. While they expect teams to implement ZK functionality, they do not anticipate significant new research. However, they predict a range of engineering advancements and potential applications, with a focus on privacy and decentralization.
Dream Applications and Breakthroughs
The podcast participants share their personal dream applications for ZK technology. They envision ZK being incorporated into everyday applications without users even realizing it. They discuss the possibilities of ZK-based identity systems, improved client-side proving, and the use of secure multi-party computation (MPC) in gaming infrastructure. They also mention breakthroughs like witness encryption and indistinguishability obfuscation (IO), which could have transformative effects on privacy and security. The speakers express their hopes for practical ZK implementations, emphasizing the potential of ZK technology to change various industries and improve user experiences.
In this week’s episode, Anna and cohosts Guillermo, Kobi, Nico and Tarun share their predictions, hopes (and worries) for ZK in 2024. They cover emerging ideas in ZK, research predictions, dream applications, the best case for ZK in 2024, the worst case for ZK, possible ‘Black Swans’ and more.
