TL;DR

Zero-Knowledge Transport Layer Service (zkTLS) could be the kryptonite for closed corporate giant networks. Emerging networks now have a fighting chance against the Facebooks and Amazons of the world by tapping into zkTLS. By allowing users to permissionlessly port any aspect of their identity on the internet, zkTLS gives new networks a powerful way to leverage existing ones. It enables users to move freely between platforms without having to start from scratch. Most importantly, it does so without compromising the privacy and security of the data.

We’re seeing crypto applications utilise zkTLS in creative ways. @zkPass lets users verify their traditional finance credit scores on-chain. @OpacityNetwork allows Uber drivers to port their ratings onto @teleportxyz. It also enables both drivers and restaurants to transfer their reviews from DoorDash to @NoshDelivery. Here’s how zkTLS works: Transport Layer Security (TLS) secures over 95% of all internet connections. It’s the ‘s’ in ‘https’ of most URLs. A TLS connection ensures: The server (like your bank) that a client (like your phone) interacts with is authentic. The data is confidential. Data integrity is high.

zkTLS introduces a third party verifier to authenticate the communication between a client and a server without compromising security. There are two main approaches to implementing the verifier: Proxy based: A proxy server that acts as an intermediary, observing the encrypted communication and partially decrypting it to verify the client’s credentials.

Multi-party computation (MPC) based: The client and verifier communicate with the server, allowing the verifier to attest to the message’s authenticity without the server knowing about its presence.

To maintain privacy, the client uses zero-knowledge proofs to demonstrate specific facts about the data without revealing the actual information. For example, the proof could show that their bank balance is over $1000 on a specific date rather than disclosing the exact amount. Or, I could prove that my wallet is owned by a verified Indian citizen without revealing other details like my name or date of birth. These proofs can then be recorded on a blockchain, where they exist in perpetuity for other applications to access and verify. ​​ Controlling users’ data gives power to internet giants. It allows them to create networks built on personalised experiences that lock users in. zkTLS breaks down the walls that trap billions online today. Creating a future that’s more open and power is distributed.

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