Pushing Bitcoin to become more scalable with zero-knowledge proofs

cointelegraph.com:

For all the good that Bitcoin brings to the table, it also possesses a commonly accepted issue in scalability. Bitcoin can only process a limited number of transactions per block and, as of Aug. 17, 2022, can handle about five transactions per second, which in comparison to most other blockchains is low. The factor limiting scalability lies in Bitcoin’s cryptographic algorithm.

The Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) is the essential cryptographic algorithm that powers Bitcoin and ensures that only the rightful owner can access and manage their funds. Currently, verification of the ECDSA, a Bitcoin signature allowing to carry out transactions and send Bitcoin (BTC), is not efficient and limits the scalability of the Bitcoin blockchain. A potential solution is using zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology, allowing higher degrees of privacy and security.

A recent Starkware paper presents the method for efficiently verifying ECDSA from within the STARK ecosystem, potentially resolving the blockchain trilemma for Bitcoin — i.e., achieving scalability, security and decentralization simultaneously.

A ZKP is a cryptographic technique that enables the prover to confirm another person’s claim without supporting data. ZKPs are cryptographic protocols that keep third parties away from users’ privacy. ZKPs can also be a helpful building block for many cryptographic protocols, ensuring participants follow the protocol’s specifications. Privacy and scalability are enhanced with ZKPs because only certain data is revealed and transacted without disclosing all the information that needs to be proven.

Based on the ZKP technology, STARKs, or Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge — invented by Starkware — is a type of