ZK Technology

We know ZK technology might be a new concept for many of you, so we want to explain how it works

The ELI5 version is:

Imagine you’re trying to prove to your friend that you know the password to their locked phone without actually telling them the password

A Zero-Knowledge Proof is akin to demonstrating you can open the phone, but without sharing how

There are a couple key ZK concepts.

• Completeness: If the statement is true, a valid proof will always be able to convince a verifier

• Soundless: A fake proof cannot trick the verifier

• Zero Knowledge: No info is leaked other than that the statement is true or false

Here's how ZK works in Lethe

• When you shield, top up your private balance, or send from it a ZK proof is generated that confirms a valid deposit/transfer was made

• When you, or your recipient unshield, another ZK proof verifies that the withdrawal is legitimate and that whoever is withdrawing is allowed to access the funds—without revealing the original sender

• This ensures the both deposits and withdrawals don't leak any details about who the person on the other side of the transaction is