Ethereum's Zero-Knowledge Proof Integration Promises Greater Decentralization

The Ethereum Foundation announced a plan to incorporate zero-knowledge proof technology into its main network to enhance decentralization and resistance to censorship. This initiative will begin with optional zkEVM client software, which could become mandatory in the future. Validators will be able to verify blocks by checking three independent ZK proofs instead of re-executing transactions. They will need to meet strict criteria: a maximum delay of 10 seconds for 99% of blocks, security at 128-bit level, and a size limit of 300 KB. The required hardware costs approximately $100,000 with a power consumption of 10 kW. Initially, use will be limited to a small number of validators, but as trust grows through audits and bounty programs, gas limits may increase, eventually making proof verification a standard process.