An eye-opening discussion of how to apply new blockchain technologies to realize our digital potential
In Zero Knowledge, Infinite Trust, pioneering cryptographer, blockchain innovator, and the co-inventor of the STARK cryptographic system, Eli Ben-Sasson, delivers a deeply insightful discussion of the fundamental values and mathematical foundations on which societys technological backbone will be built. Skipping the speculative frenzy and political manifestos that characterize much of the popular discussion in blockchain, Ben-Sasson reveals how blockchains greatest promise lies in humanitys timeless pursuit of integrity and trust in digital interactions.
The book explains how Zero Knowledge Proofs and STARK technology are solving critical challenges that have prevented truly decentralized networks from achieving mass adoption. It demonstrates how to use these tools to protect privacy, secure personal data and digital identities, ensure election integrity, and address other contemporary threats to safety, security, and wellbeing.
Inside the book:
A discussion of current technological development in the context of a broader historical context, drawing original insights into how digital trust is evolving today An exploration of how mathematical certainty can replace institutional authority An up-to-date guide to using powerful blockchain technologies to reshape fundamental structures
Perfect for tech professionals and enthusiasts concerned about digital privacy, corporate power, and the future of technology, Zero Knowledge, Infinite Trust offers a compelling new perspective on how to achieve the digital future we were all promised and have yet to realize.
Introduction xi
Chapter 1 Why Blockchain Matters 1
Chapter 2 The Brave New World of Bitcoin 7
Chapter 3 An Overview of Blockchain 17
Chapter 4 Bitcoin's Breakthroughsand Blockchain's Expansion 27
Chapter 5 Beyond Currency: Blockchain as Infrastructure 37
Chapter 6 Social Media, AI, and the Gig Economy 49
Chapter 7 Roadblocks to Mass Adoption 65
Chapter 8 The Magic of Proofs 71
Chapter 9 Infrastructure for the Unbanked 83
Chapter 10 Blockchain in Practice: Usability, Scaling, and Privacy 89
Chapter 11 Research Springs to Life: From Breakthrough to Blueprint 103
Chapter 12 StarkWare: From Genesis to $8 Billion 117
Chapter 13 The Harshest Critique: Do We Even Need Crypto? 135
Chapter 14 Stablecoins and Meme Coins 141
Chapter 15 The Integrity Web 151
Appendix Questions About STARK Proofs Answered 165
Glossary 179
Notes 183
Acknowledgments 189
About the Authors 193
Index 19
ELI BEN-SASSON is CEO and co-founder of StarkWare, an $8 billion blockchain technology company, and a pioneering cryptographer who co-invented the STARK cryptographic systemwidely regarded as the gold standard solution for blockchain scalability. A co-inventor of the STARK, FRI, and Zerocash protocols and founding scientist of the Zcash Company, he previously held research positions at Princetons Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard, and MIT, and served as Professor of theoretical computer science at Technion in Israel.
NATHAN JEFFAY is a journalist who spent 20 years covering complex topics for mainstream audiences, including Middle East geopolitics during the Arab Spring and the coronavirus pandemic. He applies his expertise in making difficult subjects accessible to illuminate blockchain technology for general readers.
