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Solving The AI Black Box: ZK-Proofs in Defence Tech

Dec 26, 2025
Ismael Hishon-Rezaizadeh, CEO of Lagrange Labs, is a pioneering applied cryptographer specializing in zero-knowledge proofs. He discusses how ZK technology has evolved beyond crypto to enhance defense, including its applications in autonomous drone swarms and national security. The concept of 'Accountable Autonomy' is introduced to ensure AI decision-making transparency. They also explore the US-China tech rivalry, the need for domestic chip manufacturing, and how cryptographic advances could secure crucial military operations.
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INSIGHT

ZK Proofs Verify Private AI Execution

  • Deep Proof generates zero-knowledge proofs that an AI model executed correctly and privately on given inputs.
  • This lets model owners protect IP while proving outputs without revealing weights or data.
INSIGHT

Protect Model IP Without Performance Loss

  • Deploying frontier closed-source models requires low-touch privacy that preserves model IP and performance.
  • Lagrange argues ZKML can add verifiability and privacy at the model developer level without leaking weights.
ADVICE

Apply Crypto R&D To Defense

  • Repurpose frontier crypto research toward defense and national security needs instead of only token projects.
  • Leverage applied cryptography (ZK, FHE, consensus) for dual-use defense applications.
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