Applications Of Zero-Knowledge Proofs On Bitcoin

Yusuf Ozmiş

Paper 2025/1271

Applications Of Zero-Knowledge Proofs On Bitcoin

Yusuf Ozmiş

Abstract

This paper explores how zero-knowledge proofs can enhance Bitcoin's functionality and privacy. First, we consider Proof-of-Reserve schemes: by using zk-STARKs, a custodian can prove its Bitcoin holdings are more than a predefined threshold X, without revealing addresses or actual balances. We outline a STARK-based protocol for Bitcoin UTXOs and discuss its efficiency. Second, we examine ZK Light Clients, where a mobile or lightweight device verifies Bitcoin's proof-of-work chain using succinct proofs. We propose a protocol for generating and verifying a STARK-based proof of a chain of block headers, enabling trust-minimized client operation. Third, we explore Privacy-Preserving Rollups via BitVM: leveraging BitVM, we design a conceptual rollup that keeps transaction data confidential using zero-knowledge proofs. In each case, we analyze security, compare with existing approaches, and discuss implementation considerations. Our contributions include the design of concrete protocols adapted to Bitcoin's UTXO model and an assessment of their practicality. The results suggest that while ZK proofs can bring powerful features (e.g., on-chain reserve audits, trustless light clients, and private layer-2 execution) to Bitcoin, each application requires careful trade-offs in efficiency and trust assumptions.

Metadata

Available format(s): PDF
Category: Applications
Publication info: Published elsewhere. Arxiv
DOI: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.21085
Keywords: Bitcoin Zero-Knowledge Proofs Privacy Rollups
Contact author(s): yusuf ozmis @ std yildiz edu tr
History: 2026-01-07: revised; 2025-07-10: received; See all versions
Short URL: https://ia.cr/2025/1271
License: CC BY

BibTeX

@misc{cryptoeprint:2025/1271,
      author = {Yusuf Ozmiş},
      title = {Applications Of Zero-Knowledge Proofs On Bitcoin},
      howpublished = {Cryptology {ePrint} Archive, Paper 2025/1271},
      year = {2025},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.21085},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2025/1271}
}