Zero Knowledge Bringing ID Onchain with Self
Jul 2, 2025
Florent Tavernier and Marek Olszewski from Self discuss the transformative potential of on-chain identity using zero-knowledge technology. They explore the challenges of varying cryptographic standards and the innovative Open Passport initiative aimed at enhancing identity verification. The conversation highlights how blockchain can bolster Sybil resistance and the necessity of user privacy in digital identity. They also reflect on the importance of integrating traditional systems with Web3 innovations, advocating for secure, decentralized identity options that empower users.
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ZK Bridges Real-World Trust
- The power of ZK lies in bridging existing trust infrastructures on-chain for identity verification.
- Florent found this integration more impactful than solving only blockchain-internal optimizations.
Passports as On-Chain Anchors
- Passports contain a government-signed chip holding personal data and a signature chain.
- Florent highlights passports as a privacy-safe source for biometric and certificate verification on-chain.
Anonymous Passport Verification
- Self verifies passports signed by any country's public key using a Merkle tree of all country keys.
- This allows users to register anonymously without revealing their passport's issuing country.