StarkWare, a company focused on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, has created a way to verify the Bitcoin blockchain using a proof that runs on mobile devices. This new method allows users to confirm Bitcoin transactions without downloading the entire blockchain, which has grown to over 680 gigabytes since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009.
Compact Proof for the Entire Bitcoin History
The proof developed by StarkWare includes all Bitcoin block headers, starting from the genesis block to the most recent one. While it does not contain the full transaction history, it holds essential details from each block header such as the software version, links to previous blocks, timestamps, block size and the nonce, the number miners must solve to add a block.
Despite covering Bitcoin’s entire history, StarkWare’s proof is just 1 megabyte in size. According to Abdelhamid Bakhta, head of ecosystem at StarkWare, this enables transaction verification in under 100 milliseconds.
Built on Satoshi’s SPV Concept
The new lightweight client expands on the Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) model introduced by Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto. SPV was designed to let smaller nodes verify payments without the heavy requirement of downloading the full blockchain.
StarkWare’s version of this approach makes verification even faster and more accessible, offering a practical solution for users who may not want to set up a full Bitcoin node.
Lowering Barriers for Everyday Users
Running a Bitcoin node requires both hardware and technical knowledge, with costs typically ranging from $300 to $1,000. While Bitcoin nodes are easier to operate than those of many other blockchains, setting one up can still be challenging for the average person.
By reducing the verification process to a lightweight proof that works on mobile, StarkWare could make it easier for more users to directly verify Bitcoin transactions. This move could strengthen Bitcoin’s decentralisation by allowing a wider base of participants to take part in the network without relying on third parties.
