OpenAC Achieves 0.129-Second Proof Time, Aligns with European Digital Identity Framework

The zkID team, part of Ethereum's Privacy and Scaling Explorations (PSE) Lab, has unveiled OpenAC, an open design for transparent and lightweight anonymous credentials, demonstrating a rapid proof presentation time of just 0.129 seconds. This development marks a significant step in privacy-preserving identity solutions, offering a highly efficient zero-knowledge identity construction.

The new system is specifically engineered to integrate with existing identity architectures and has been "purposely constructed to be compatible with the European Digital Identity Architecture and Reference Framework (EUDI ARF)," as stated in a tweet by PSE. This compatibility positions OpenAC as a potential privacy layer for digital identity solutions across Europe.

PSE, a multidisciplinary team within the Ethereum Foundation, focuses on exploring new applications for zero-knowledge proofs and other cryptographic primitives. Their work aims to enhance the privacy, scalability, and usability of the Ethereum ecosystem, with zkID being their open-source zero-knowledge identity solution.

The European Digital Identity Architecture and Reference Framework (EUDI ARF) is a crucial component of the broader European Digital Identity (EUDI) system. It provides common standards and specifications for the development and implementation of the European Digital Identity Wallet, ensuring interoperability and security across EU member states. The EUDI Wallet aims to empower citizens with greater control over their personal data and facilitate secure access to online services.

OpenAC's design emphasizes transparency, allowing its internal mechanisms to be openly scrutinized and verified, fostering trust in the system. The project is open-source, with its code available on GitHub, encouraging developers and researchers to contribute to its ongoing development. This initiative could significantly advance privacy-preserving identity management in the digital age.