Open source Zero Knowledge Proofs now available on Bitcoin via BitSNARK

BitSNARK enables privacy-preserving smart contracts and cross-chain transfers on Bitcoin without core protocol changes.

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BitcoinOS (BOS) has open-sourced BitSNARK, a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) verification protocol enabling zk-SNARKs to operate on the blockchain without altering its core protocol. This development introduces one of the first working ZKP systems on Bitcoin’s mainnet, potentially transforming its privacy, scalability, and smart contract functionality capabilities.

BitSNARK allows direct verification of zk-SNARK proofs on the Bitcoin mainnet. In July, BOS verified the first-ever ZK proof on Bitcoin at Block 853626. The open-sourcing of BitSNARK v0.1 provides developers with tools to implement advanced cryptographic proofs on Bitcoin, paving the way for decentralized applications and enhanced privacy features.

Edan Yago, CEO and co-founder of BOS stated that it turns Bitcoin into a complete smart contract platform. “Bitcoin has entered the chat,” Yago said, emphasizing the significance of bringing advanced cryptography and cross-chain functionality to the Bitcoin network.

BitSNARK opens Bitcoin to decentralized atomic swaps, cross-chain transfers, and two-way pegging, enabling interoperability with other blockchains and the execution of privacy-preserving smart contracts. The protocol employs economic incentives to ensure honesty among participants, preventing malicious actors from compromising the verification process.

ZK proofs on Bitcoin so far

While other projects have made strides in bringing zero-knowledge proofs to Bitcoin, BitSNARK’s mainnet implementation sets it apart. StarkWare, for instance, verified a ZK proof on Bitcoin’s Signet test network in June 2024, aiming to improve Bitcoin’s scalability using STARK technology and an OP_CAT soft fork called. The ZeroSync project is developing a zero-knowledge light client for Bitcoin using a potential OP_ZKP OP code but has yet to implement mainnet verification.

Ledger’s CTO, Charles Guillemet, has advocated for advancements like OP_CAT or other innovative approaches to validate ZK proofs on-chain for Bitcoin, suggesting that such advancements could enhance layer-2 solutions and reduce trust in off-chain processing. BitSNARK’s approach potentially aligns with these perspectives by offering ZK verification without altering the core protocol.

Thus, other methods of bringing ZKPs into Bitcoin’s main layer mostly require further developments, which will take time, given the network’s resistance to change by design. BitSNARK addresses these challenges by enabling ZK verification without necessitating changes to Bitcoin’s core protocol. This approach allows for enhanced functionality while preserving Bitcoin’s decentralization and security principles.

How BitSNARK compares to other ZKP solutions on Bitcoin

BitSNARK differs from other approaches in that it allows verification on the Bitcoin mainnet without requiring a soft fork. This positions BitSNARK as a potentially significant milestone in Bitcoin’s technological evolution, offering a viable path toward enhanced privacy and scalability.

BitSNARK uses the Grail Bridge and Merkle Mesh. The Grail Bridge is a decentralized cross-chain bridge that leverages zk-SNARKs and the BitSNARK Verification Protocol for secure, trustless asset transfers between Bitcoin and other blockchains. Merkle Mesh is designed to handle many decentralized zk-SNARK verifications at scale, enhancing network performance.

By open-sourcing BitSNARK, BOS aims to foster further understanding and experimentation within the Bitcoin ecosystem. This initiative allows developers to build applications that leverage Bitcoin’s security while introducing functionalities traditionally associated with other blockchain platforms.

BitcoinOS originates from the Sovryn decentralized finance community and has received support from investors like Galaxy Digital and General Catalyst. This background provides valuable experience and insights, representing a shift toward consolidating diverse blockchain functionalities onto the Bitcoin network.

By enabling advanced functionalities like privacy-preserving transactions and smart contracts directly on Bitcoin through rollups, BitcoinOS aims to unlock Bitcoin’s potential for high-throughput, secure transactions while preserving the network’s decentralization and resilience.

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