The Cardano network has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by deploying its first zero-knowledge (ZK) smart contract on the mainnet. This development enhances the network’s capabilities and marks a significant step forward in blockchain technology.
Leveraging Plutus v3 for Advanced Functionality
The milestone was made possible using the Plutus v3 ledger language. The newly implemented ZK smart contract, known as Halo2, enables seamless integration of zero-knowledge applications and partner chains, including Midnight, with the Cardano ecosystem.
Successful Verification on Nov. 25
On November 25, the Input-Output (IO) Research team validated the Halo2 proof on the mainnet. This verification supported the Ad-hoc Threshold Multi-signatures scheme (ATMS), which successfully authenticated 50 out of 90 signatures.
The process involved two transactions:
- Locking Funds – This transaction incurred a cost of 0.16 ADA.
- Unlocking Funds – This transaction, which used Halo2 verification, required a fee of 2.03 ADA.
Understanding the Halo2 zk-SNARK System
Halo2 represents a state-of-the-art zk-SNARK proving system designed to securely validate transactions without exposing sensitive information. Built on the PLONK protocol, Halo2 focuses on efficiency and adaptability, breaking its functions into modular components for improved cryptographic applications.
Key Features of Halo2
- No Trusted Setup Required: Unlike traditional zk-SNARKs, Halo2 eliminates the need for a trusted setup, reducing potential security risks and logistical challenges.
- Recursive Proofs for Efficiency:
Halo2 supports recursive proofs, dividing computations into smaller segments. Each proof feeds into the next stage, enabling efficient proof aggregation for enhanced performance and scalability. - Enhanced Security and Flexibility:
Developed as an improvement of the original Halo protocol by Sean Bowe at Electric Coin Company, Halo2 incorporates modern cryptographic primitives to bolster zero-knowledge proof security.
Real-World Applications and Benefits
Halo2 is designed to address practical needs, focusing on reducing overhead costs and accelerating proof generation and verification. By advancing zero-knowledge technology, Halo2 aims to offer scalable solutions that benefit diverse blockchain applications.
As the Cardano network continues to innovate, this milestone underscores its commitment to providing cutting-edge tools for developers and fostering adoption in the decentralized ecosystem.
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