Zero-Knowledge Proof Identity Verification for Restricted Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current identity verification processes are inefficient and costly, leading to security breaches, data theft, and denial of access to essential services due to intrusive and time-consuming verification methods, which also burden financial institutions and other sectors.
Innovation Solution
A method using a decentralized ledger system, where a user's identity information is hashed and verified through a cryptographic one-way hash, allowing access to restricted goods or services without revealing personal identifiable information, ensuring privacy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional identity verification processes are used to verify customer identity and personal information, then security and compliance requirements are met, but the process becomes intrusive, time-consuming, and costly for both consumers and financial institutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification element (proof of age/identity) from the complete personal information set. Instead of collecting and processing extensive personal data, the system uses a zero-knowledge proof that proves identity attributes without revealing the underlying personal information, thus reducing verification time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based zero-knowledge proof system as an intermediary between the user and the service provider. This intermediary enables verification of identity attributes without direct exposure of personal information, eliminating the need for traditional intrusive verification processes while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If traditional identity verification processes are used to verify customer identity and personal information, then security and compliance requirements are met, but the cost to financial institutions increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification element (proof of age/identity) from the complete personal information set. Instead of collecting and processing extensive personal data, the system uses a zero-knowledge proof that proves identity attributes without revealing the underlying personal information, thus reducing verification time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copies (hashes) of personal information stored on blockchain instead of storing or processing actual personal data. These cryptographic copies can be verified without exposing the original information, reducing the cost and complexity of identity verification while maintaining security
3Reliability
If extensive personal information is collected during verification, then identity verification can be performed, but security breaches and data theft risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification element (proof of age/identity) from the complete personal information set. Instead of collecting and processing extensive personal data, the system uses a zero-knowledge proof that proves identity attributes without revealing the underlying personal information, thus reducing verification time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of data exposure into a benefit by using cryptographic hashing. The hash function transforms personal information into an irreversible format that can be verified for accuracy but cannot be reverse-engineered to reveal the original data, thus eliminating data theft risk while maintaining verification accuracy
4Reliability
If repeated identity verification is required for different products and services, then fraud prevention is maintained, but customer acquisition and conversion rates are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal zero-knowledge proof system that can be used across multiple products and services. Once a user's identity is verified and a zero-knowledge proof is generated, it can be reused for multiple transactions and service access requests, eliminating the need for repeated verification processes while maintaining fraud prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs identity verification and generates zero-knowledge proofs in advance, before the user needs to access specific products or services. These pre-generated proofs can be stored and reused for future transactions, eliminating the need for repeated verification processes and improving customer acquisition rates while maintaining fraud prevention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances privacy and security while reducing the costs and inefficiencies associated with traditional identity verification, enabling secure and efficient access to restricted services while protecting user data.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a decentralized ledger system, where a user's identity information is hashed and verified through a cryptographic one-way hash
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identity verification to provide access to restricted goods or services. A first device may receive, from a second device operated on behalf of a user, a first request to purchase a restricted good or service. The first device may transmit, to the second device responsive to the first request, a second request comprising an identification of information of the user, and an identification of validation system; and may receive the requested information of the user. The first device may generate an attestation key comprising a hash of the requested information of the user and the identification of the validation system; and may determine that a record in a centralized or distributed ledger at an address corresponding to the attestation key is associated with a non-zero transaction value. Responsive to the determination, the first device may provide the restricted good or service to the user.