Zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in decentralized identity applications have sparked a debate in the crypto industry — with some arguing that ZK is too expensive and complex to implement. 

Leo Fan, co-founder of ZK hardware company Cysic, says that while ZK-proofs have been expensive historically, they are still more cost-efficient than legacy ID systems run by centralized institutions.

In an interview with Cointelegraph, the co-founder explained that advancements in hardware and more efficient proof generation have substantially reduced costs and finality time for ZK-proofs, which were already less costly than traditional identification systems requiring sprawling bureaucracies and potentially billions of dollars to operate. Fan stated:

"Zero-knowledge proofs were quite expensive to run at the beginning of this year, but we have been accelerating the proof generation to make it more convenient for people. So in that sense, we are reducing the barrier to using ZK."

The time required to generate ZK-proofs is now around 10 seconds, according to Fan, making ZK a viable method of decentralized identification and a “public good” that can maximize privacy while still preserving the screening functions required for proof of ID scenarios.

Factors Influencing ID System Costs. Source: World Bank

Related: Blockchain fixes misuse of biometric data — Privado ID founder

Other countries adopt ZK-powered identity solutions

The Cysic co-founder also praised the recent rollout of ZK-powered digital ID to 3.6 million residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Government officials announced the integration of QuarkID into the existing miBA digital identification framework on Oct. 21, providing individuals the option of greater autonomy over their biometric data.

In August, Worldcoin installed its World ID orbs in Vienna , Austria. The devices collect biometric data by scanning the iris of prospective users and converting the unique personal identifiers into cryptographic proofs, which can prove personhood.

Later that same month, the government of Malaysia signed a deal with Worldcoin to integrate the company’s iris-scanning orbs into the country’s official identification system. 

The collaboration also included Tools for Humanity, and MyEG — a firm that specializes in bridging the gap between government services and the population.

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