Unlocking Privacy: The Future of Data-Protecting Smart Contracts with Thomas Kerber

Update: 2024-10-08

Description

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Thomas Kerber, Technical Architect at Midnight.

Join them as we discuss:

The Kachina model for smart contracts and its novel approach to privacy in blockchain
The evolution of Kachina from research to implementation in the Midnight network
The challenges developers face when working with zero-knowledge proofs
A round-trip transaction on Midnight, showcasing the intricacies of data-protecting smart contracts
The potential impact of data-protecting smart contracts on blockchain adoption and data sovereignty
The future of privacy-preserving blockchain technology and its applications

Thomas Kerber is a Technical Architect at Midnight, with a significant background in computer security and blockchain technology. His work on the Kachina Protocol and its evolution into Midnight has been groundbreaking in the field of smart contracts. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his research and development at Input Output Global, particularly in the areas of privacy and scalability in blockchain systems.

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Episode Highlights:

[00:01:27 ] The potential of data-protecting smart contracts

[00:04:07 ] Overview of the Kachina model for smart contracts

[00:06:33 ] Evolution of Kachina into the Midnight Network

[00:08:42 ] SNARK upgradability in Midnight's design

[00:11:41 ] How zero-knowledge proofs enable data protection in smart contracts

[00:13:16 ] Challenges for developers working with zero-knowledge proofs

[00:16:28 ] Live demo: A round-trip transaction on Midnight

[00:30:47 ] The future of data-protecting smart contracts

Episode Resources:

Thomas Kerber on LinkedIn
Kachina Protocol Research Paper: Kachina – Foundations of Private Smart Contracts
Midnight Network: Midnight Network
IOHK Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.

To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork

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