KILT CEO says ZK-proofs complicate decentralised ID systems

Ingo Rübe, CEO and co-founder of KILT Protocol (CRYPTO:KILT), has expressed concerns about the complexity of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in decentralised identity solutions.

While ZK proofs have gained traction for verifying information without disclosing specific details, Rübe believes their technical nature poses challenges for government and institutional adoption.

In an interview, Rübe highlighted that decentralised identifiers, such as biometric data, can be efficiently shared and verified on-chain using Merkle Trees.

He pointed out that this method is easier, faster, and more efficient than implementing ZK proofs, which require a higher level of technical understanding.

Rübe also warned of potential risks associated with the open-source software commonly utilised in ZK solutions.

He stated, “Companies which use zero-knowledge proofs normally take a library from someone else, and this someone else has been making some open source stuff where nobody takes the responsibility.”

He raised concerns about the consequences of such libraries failing to function as intended, which could lead to significant data breaches and exposure of sensitive user information.

He advocates for the use of public permissionless blockchains to store the validity of credentials, emphasising that users should have control over their digital identifiers, which should be stored locally and verified through decentralised blockchain networks.

Rübe noted that different approaches to decentralised identity solutions can be effective for various use cases but criticised the application of ZK proofs in this area as “like taking a bazooka and trying to kill a fly.”

Despite these challenges, several governments and organisations are exploring ZK-powered identity solutions.

For instance, Buenos Aires announced in October 2024 the implementation of decentralised identification for residents using ZKsync Era.

Additionally, the company World, formerly known as Worldcoin (CRYPTO:WLD), recently introduced its next-generation biometric data-collecting orbs and the World ID Credentials program, allowing individuals with NFT-enabled government passports to register their identities in the World system.

At press time, the KILT Protocol price was $0.1323.