zkETA

zkETA is a platform that allows users to share their Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) without disclosing their exact location or route, addressing privacy and security concerns in delivery and courier services. It utilizes zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to verify ETA information, ensuring accuracy while keeping sensitive data private. Users interact through Telegram, a familiar messaging app, making the process intuitive and accessible even to those unfamiliar with blockchain or web3 technologies. By hosting the validation client on the blockchain, zkETA ensures decentralized verification and enhanced security. This solution enhances privacy, builds trust, and simplifies onboarding for new users.

Technologies:

Circom was utilized for verifying zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) build using SNARKjs.

Hardhat facilitated the development and deployment of smart contracts. We deployed zkETA contracts on six blockchain networks: Zircuit, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Scroll, and Celo.

React was used for frontend development.

Python powered the Telegram bot automation.

Workflow Overview:

ETA Request: User A requests User B's ETA via a Telegram message.

Bot Interaction: Our Telegram bot privately messages User B, prompting them to verify their ETA through our web app.

Proof Generation: User B visits the React-based web app and fills out a form. Circom generates a ZK-proof locally on their device.

Proof Verification: The proof is submitted to our smart contracts on one of the supported blockchains. Hardhat manages the contracts that verify the proof without accessing any private data.

Result Notification: Upon verification, an event is emitted. A Python script listens for this event and triggers the Telegram bot to notify User A of the result.

Notable Innovations:

Integration with Telegram: By automating the process with a Telegram bot, we made advanced cryptographic technology accessible through a familiar messaging platform.

Client-Side Optimization: We optimized proof generation on the client side to ensure that the process is efficient and doesn't burden the user's device.

Easy to board for web2: Since we tell you the result of the zk-proof, our application can be very web2 friendly as well. People dont need to verify the proof themselves. For transparancy, all of our contracts are on chain so if anyone is curious they can view it.