Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKs) are gaining popularity in the cryptocurrency world, as they allow individuals to prove knowledge without revealing it, which is useful for maintaining privacy in banking and employment.

While producing ZKs is computationally intensive, researchers are exploring succinct proofs that allow for faster verification without revealing data.

ZKs were once limited to academia, but with the rise of faster computers and funding for cryptography research, they have become more accessible. ZK-rollups have emerged as a way to improve the speed of blockchain transactions by compiling and evaluating them off-chain and producing a succinct proof.

Experts predict that zero-knowledge proofs will become ubiquitous in technology within the next decade, providing greater security and protection against cyber threats.