TIP-0025: The Talos Zero-Knowledge Protocol (TZKP) - Privacy-Preserving Verification

TIP-0025.md

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+---
+tip: 25
+title: The Talos Zero-Knowledge Protocol (TZKP) - Privacy-Preserving Verification
+author: Rafael Oliveira | AO | (@Corvo_Arkhen)
+status: Draft
+type: Standards Track
+created: 2025-10-02
+---
+
+## Abstract
+
+This proposal introduces **The Talos Zero-Knowledge Protocol (TZKP)**, a comprehensive zero-knowledge proof system that enables private, verifiable computations and confidential transactions within the Talos ecosystem. Inspired by the need for privacy in blockchain systems and the concept of zero-knowledge proofs, TZKP allows AI agents and users to prove the validity of computations and transactions without revealing underlying sensitive data, enabling unprecedented privacy while maintaining verifiability.
+
+## Motivation
+
+While previous TIPs have established various protocols for consensus (TIP-0116), storage (TIP-0118), oracles (TIP-0119), and cross-chain communication (TIP-0124), the Talos ecosystem currently lacks robust privacy-preserving mechanisms that can protect user identities and data. This proposal addresses the need for:
+- **Transaction Privacy**: Keep transaction amounts and participants private.
+- **Computation Privacy**: Prove computations without revealing private inputs.
+- **Identity Privacy**: Verify identities without leaking personal information.
+- **Data Privacy**: Share data proofs without revealing the actual data.
+- **Compliance Privacy**: Meet regulatory requirements while preserving privacy.
+
+Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin provides pseudonymity but not true privacy. Modern blockchain systems require stronger privacy guarantees to protect user data and identities.
+
+## Specification
+
+The specification for the Talos Zero-Knowledge Protocol (TZKP) will entail a detailed description of the architecture, including components such as the ZK-SNARK and ZK-STARK integrations, proof generation mechanisms, verification systems, and privacy pools. Each feature will be elaborated to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its functionalities and interactions within the Talos ecosystem, addressing transaction privacy, computation privacy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
+
+## Rationale
+
+The rationale for implementing TZKP is driven by the increasing demand for privacy in blockchain transactions and computations. As industries evolve and data privacy regulations become stricter, Talos needs to provide its users with tools that ensure privacy without compromising verifiability. By implementing zero-knowledge proofs, the Talos ecosystem can offer enhanced privacy protection for users while maintaining transparency and accountability inherent in blockchain technology. This aligns with the vision of creating a secure and user-friendly ecosystem.
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+The security considerations for the implementation of TZKP include safeguarding the trusted setup process from potential vulnerabilities, ensuring that proof generation and verification are resilient against any form of attack, including quantum threats. Furthermore, measures must be implemented to mitigate risks associated with deanonymization and ensure secure randomization techniques during proof creation. Regular audits and compliance assessments will also be critical in maintaining security standards.
+
+## Implementation
+
+The implementation of the TZKP will be organized into three phases over nine months. Phase 1 will establish the core ZK infrastructure, focusing on zk-SNARK and zk-STARK implementations along with initial testing. Phase 2 will enhance privacy features such as confidential transactions and private smart contracts, while Phase 3 will focus on advanced capabilities like performance optimization and the development of a comprehensive circuit library. Each phase will include clear milestones, testing protocols, and security assessments to ensure successful deployment and integration.