

Making ZK More Human with ZK Email
9 snips Mar 19, 2025
Aayush Gupta, a developer of the ZK Email protocol and former MIT cryptography researcher, discusses groundbreaking advancements in bridging Web2 and Web3. He highlights innovative uses of zero-knowledge proofs for wallet-based account recovery and anonymous communication. The conversation dives into enhancing email security against threats like phishing and explores the future of digital signatures and their role in identity verification. Aayush also advocates for more equitable airdrops using ZK technology, aiming to create inclusivity in community rewards.
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ZK Email Origin
- Ayush, before ZK Email, worked on Plume Nullifier at MIT, which became ERC 7524.
- He co-created ZK Email with Preeti at Xerox Park in 2022, initially using Circom.
Collaboration with Sora
- Ayush found Sora's online documentation about Halo 2 RSA, leading to a collaboration.
- Initially, they struggled with communication due to language barriers, but Sora learned English through ZK podcasts and videos.
ZK Email Funding
- ZK Email has been primarily funded by Ethereum Foundation's PSE group.
- PSE focuses on research and products requiring upfront investment in technology, fostering collaboration among projects.