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Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP)

A cryptographic technique that proves a statement is true without revealing the underlying data, for example proving you are over 18 without disclosing your birth date. In decentralized identity it enables privacy-preserving credential presentation beyond simple selective disclosure.

ZKPs are the strongest available privacy tool in credentials, letting a holder prove a predicate (over 18, resident of this country, income above a threshold) without revealing the underlying value or being correlatable across presentations. Adoption is limited less by the cryptography than by tooling and verifier support, which is why simpler hash-based selective disclosure shipped first in national programs.

See also: selective disclosure, BBS signature, AnonCreds, verifiable credentials

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