Intro
In this special Twitter Space, Ontology explores one of the most promising and misunderstood technologies in Web3: zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). Joined by leaders from ZKPass, Veera, and Orange Protocol, the conversation dives deep into what ZK really enables—from private onboarding to secure reputation—and why the most powerful cryptographic tools work best when users don’t even notice them.
Read the full post @ CryptoSapiens Newsletter
🎙️ Featured Speakers
- Francis Berwa – ZKPass
- Sam Noble – CPTO at Veera
- Humpty Calderon – Ontology
- Geoff – Ontology
- Polaris – Ontology
Five takeaways
1. ZK is a “yes-or-no” machine
Instead of revealing data, ZK lets users answer questions like “Are you over 18?” with a simple yes—without showing ID or personal documents. That’s the core utility: validation without exposure.
2. Sell the benefit, not the cryptography
Users don’t care about protocols—they care about privacy, speed, and trust. Like SSL in your browser, ZK should work quietly in the background, solving real problems without technical friction.
3. ZK is already in consumer products
- Veera uses ZK to reward users without tracking
- ZKPass enables private eligibility proofs for finance, telecom, and more
- Orange Protocol brings privacy-preserving credentials to DAOs and DeFi apps
4. Proof replaces access
The future of verification isn’t about sharing your entire data set—it’s about attesting to what matters, like income, age, or balance thresholds, without exposing everything else.
5. ZK will soon be boring (and that’s good)
The most transformative tools—like HTTPS—fade into the background. ZK’s future lies in invisibility: embedded in browsers, dating apps, and onboarding flows where privacy matters most.
Bigger picture
Zero-knowledge technology isn’t just a blockchain breakthrough—it’s a universal privacy tool for Web2 and Web3. As data collection and AI surveillance increase, ZKPs offer a safer model: one that puts users in control, builds trust, and quietly rewires how we prove things online.
Where ZK Might Show Up Next
The panel shared future use cases where ZK could power real-world experiences:
- LinkedIn → Verify job history without exposing all past roles
- Tinder → Match based on verified traits without revealing full profiles
- Airbnb → Verify hosts/guests without exposing personal documents
- Calendars → Show availability without leaking event details
- Immigration → Prove income eligibility without full financial access
- Gaming → Cross-game reputation without doxxing behavior
TL;D
Zero-knowledge proofs let you prove more while revealing less. And that’s exactly why ZK is poised to become the next HTTPS—quiet, powerful, and essential for the next generation of secure digital experiences.
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