What is zkPass? Zero-knowledge proof links Web2 data to solve privacy issues in data cracking

zkPass (ZKP) is a decentralized oracle protocol that leverages zero-knowledge proof technology to convert private Web2 data into verifiable on-chain proofs, enabling the validation of sensitive information without revealing underlying data. The protocol employs zkTLS technology (combining three-party TLS with hybrid zero-knowledge cryptography), allowing users to prove facts from any HTTPS website without OAuth, API keys, or trusted intermediaries.

What is zkPass? A Technological Revolution in Privacy Verification

The core answer to what zkPass is lies in its solution to the most fundamental contradiction of the digital age: how to prove authenticity while protecting privacy. Traditional data verification systems require users to upload files, authorize API access, or rely on trusted intermediaries—all of which can leak sensitive information. zkPass offers a third way: using zero-knowledge proof technology, enabling users to prove “I possess a certain attribute” without revealing “what exactly it is.”

For example, a bank loan approval needs to verify that the applicant’s annual income exceeds $100,000. Traditional methods require submitting full bank statements, revealing all transaction details. zkPass allows users to generate an encrypted proof that “my annual income > $100,000,” which the bank can verify for authenticity without seeing the specific income amount or any transaction details.

zkPass extends this capability to all HTTPS-based websites. Whether it’s bank accounts, social media data, educational certificates, medical records, or work history—if it comes from an HTTPS website, zkPass can convert it into a verifiable proof. This universal compatibility is its greatest advantage, as it does not require individual data sources to be integrated separately but solves it uniformly at the protocol level.

The project’s vision is called the “Verifiable Internet,” where users retain ownership of their data while still being able to authenticate their identity to third parties. This model fundamentally disrupts the current “data-for-service” internet economy, providing users with unprecedented data sovereignty.

How does zkTLS Technology Work

The core of zkPass’s technology is the zkTLS protocol, an innovative combination of three-party transport layer security (3P-TLS) and hybrid zero-knowledge proofs (Hybrid-ZK). Standard TLS is an encryption protocol that protects most network communications but only establishes a secure channel between client and server. zkPass introduces a third-party node (V) into the handshake process, forming a three-party architecture.

Operation Process of the zkTLS Three-Party Architecture

· Data source (S), user (P), and zkPass node (V) perform a three-party handshake to generate a shared session key encrypted with Paillier encryption

· P and V collaboratively compute encrypted and authenticated keys, with V restricting access to the user’s private data, only able to verify integrity

· The user locally generates a zero-knowledge proof, with raw data never leaving the device; the proof can be on-chain as zkSBT or shared with specific addresses

zkPass adopts a hybrid zero-knowledge approach, combining interactive (VOLE-ZK) and non-interactive protocols (SNARK). VOLE-ZK ensures the authenticity of data sources and protects against client tampering, optimized by SoftSpoken for efficiency. Verification results are signed and added to the Merkle tree within the SBT (Soulbound Token) contract, ensuring verification efficiency, security, and privacy.

This technical architecture’s core innovation is that all proofs are generated locally within the user’s browser or device, ensuring raw personal data is not leaked or transmitted. The TransGate SDK provides low-code integration options for developers, and the upcoming Schema system will map HTML elements to proof generation templates, allowing developers to target specific data sources and customize the attributes users wish to verify.

ZKP Token Economics and Deflationary Design

ZKP is an ERC-20 standard token with a total supply of 1 billion tokens, employing a fixed supply with no inflation. The token economy centers on a deflationary model: a portion of settlement fees is burned to maintain supply contraction, combined with DAO-led periodic buybacks funded from protocol revenue.

The token distribution reflects long-term commitment. Community accounts for 48.5% (12.5% unlocked at TGE, 6% linearly vested over the first three months, 30% vested monthly over 5 years from TGE); early investors 22.5% (18 months linear vesting after a 12-month cliff); core contributors 14% (24 months cliff, then 24 months linear vesting); DAO treasury 10% (linear vesting over 5 years); liquidity 5% (100% unlocked at TGE). At launch, circulating supply is limited to community participation and liquidity; team or investors receive 0% unlock.

The utility of ZKP tokens runs throughout the ecosystem. They are used as settlement medium for proof settlement and validator operations; validators stake ZKP to ensure network correctness; serve as on-chain credit records for network contributions; enable enterprises to connect with API and privacy data infrastructure; and support decentralized coordination and governance.

Application Scenarios and Risk Warnings

zkPass’s application scenarios cover ten fields. In identity and compliance, it provides privacy-preserving KYC, anti-money laundering, and qualification verification. In finance and governance, it supports compliant DeFi, fair governance, and automated insurance claims. In AI and data economy, it supplies real, privacy-protected data inputs for AI models, supporting trustworthy and regulated AI systems.

However, challenges remain. Widespread adoption depends on enterprise integration and user confidence in cryptographic proofs; transitioning from Web2 data silos to decentralized verification may take time. As an advanced system, ongoing security audits and robust node operation are essential to ensure reliability. The dynamics of the ZKP token also carry uncertainties; its fixed supply, burning mechanisms, and DAO-led buybacks are most effective when proofs are generated, staked, and validators remain actively engaged.