Blockchain is a distributed system. Blockchain data is open and transparent, and anyone can view it, which also exposes users’ private information. How to protect the privacy of data has become an urgent problem in blockchain. Zerocash is a privacy transaction protocol based on UTXO model of Bitcoin, while Zether is a privacy transaction protocol based on Ethereum account model.
These protocols use zero-knowledge proof technology to protect the privacy of transaction data to a certain extent, and realize the complete hiding of the sender, receiver and transaction amount of the transaction. However, these protocols can’t practice the privacy at the level of smart contract/function.
Aleo is a privacy-oriented blockchain platform project dedicated to providing smart contracts and decentralized applications with high privacy protection. By using cryptography techniques such as zero-knowledge proof, users are allowed to verify the validity and rationality of private data without revealing the original data.
That is, the generation of zero-knowledge proof under the chain is realized, and the efficient verification of zero-knowledge proof (simplicity of transaction) is realized on the chain.
Aleo mainly includes the following major modules:
Smart contracts: Similar to platforms such as Ethereum, Aleo supports the development and implementation of smart contracts. The difference is that Aleo’s smart contract focuses on providing a higher level of privacy.
Leo language: Aleo provides a programming language called Leo, which is designed for privacy protection. Aleo language enables developers to create smart contracts that support privacy and achieve data integrity while protecting user data.
Aleo instructions: Aleo provides a set of instructions and provides an easy-to-use environment for developers to write programs that support privacy and integrity.
