Ingo Rübe, CEO of KILT Protocol, critiques the use of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in decentralized identity solutions, arguing they are overly complex for government and institutional adoption. While ZK-proofs can verify information without revealing its content, Rübe believes using simpler methods, such as biometric data combined with Merkle Trees, is more efficient and understandable. He warns that the open-source nature of ZK libraries poses a risk for potential data breaches due to lack of accountability in proprietary code. Rübe suggests that public permissionless blockchains should be utilized to store the validity of credentials, emphasizing the importance of user autonomy in managing digital identities. He compares the use of ZK-proofs for this purpose to using a bazooka to kill a fly, noting that while various solutions might fit different cases, ZK-proofs may not be the most practical choice. Despite these challenges, some governments are experimenting with ZK-proof technology for identity verification.

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