Private Identity Verification Using Zero-Knowledge Commitments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identity verification methods require users to disclose personal information, leading to high bandwidth and computational intensity, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method using cryptographically secure commitments and zero knowledge proofs allows users to verify their identity without revealing personal information, utilizing a first user identifier and a private user identifier, with a processor and non-volatile storage to execute the method, and involving a blockchain for secure storage and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional identity verification methods are used, then personal information can be verified, but bandwidth requirements are high and computational intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical identity verification methods (direct disclosure of personal information) with a cryptographic system based on zero-knowledge proofs. This substitution eliminates the need for high-bandwidth communication and intensive computational operations while maintaining verification reliability, as the system can confirm identity without transmitting or processing sensitive personal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of identity verification by using cryptographic commitments and zero-knowledge proof mechanisms. Instead of verifying identity through direct information exchange (high bandwidth, high computation), the system uses cryptographic parameters (public keys, commitments, proofs) that require minimal communication overhead and computational resources while ensuring verification accuracy.
2Reliability
If conventional identity verification methods are used, then personal information can be verified, but the process takes relatively long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming conventional verification procedures with efficient cryptographic operations. The zero-knowledge proof system allows for rapid verification of identity claims without requiring multiple rounds of communication or intensive data processing, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary cryptographic setup where users generate key pairs and commitments in advance. This preliminary action allows the actual verification process to proceed quickly, as the heavy computational work (key generation, commitment creation) is performed beforehand, and only lightweight proof verification is needed during the actual verification event.
3Reliability
If personal information is disclosed for verification, then identity can be confirmed, but privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification capability from personal information without removing or exposing the sensitive data itself. Through cryptographic commitments and zero-knowledge proofs, the system extracts the ability to verify identity while leaving the actual personal information hidden and inaccessible to the verifying party, thus maintaining both verification reliability and user privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic protocols as an intermediary between the user and the verifying system. This intermediary mechanism (zero-knowledge proof system) enables identity verification to occur without direct exposure of personal information, acting as a mediator that confirms identity claims while preserving the confidentiality of underlying sensitive data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and techniques for private identity verification involve obtaining a cryptographically secure commitment that is generated using a first user identifier and a private user identifier associated with the first user identifier; receiving, from an identity verification system, initial zero knowledge proof messages comprising the commitment; sending, to the identity verification system, a set of cryptographically secure known identifier commitments generated using a set of private user identifiers; receiving, from the identity verification system: (i) a zero knowledge proof response generated using the zero knowledge proof challenge; and (ii) proof that the private user identifier used in the initial zero knowledge proof messages comprises part of the set of private user identifiers; and verifying that the private user identifier used in the initial zero knowledge proof messages comprises part of the set of private user identifiers.