Permissionless APIs and data ownership

Imagine being able to prove something is true without showing all the details. That’s the magic of Zero-Knowledge Proofs, often called ZKPs.

Margaret Passe

5/7/20251 min read

The Visionary Session by </de_CENTRALIZED>

In a vibrant session hosted by </de_CENTRALIZED>, Kofi Owusu captivated the audience with an in-depth exploration of the future of the internet economy. The focus of the presentation was on the revolutionary potential of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and how these technologies can reshape the digital landscape. Through live demos and engaging insights, Kofi painted a compelling picture of a decentralized world where users are empowered through privacy-preserving mechanisms.

Understanding Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) are a clever way to prove something is true without revealing the actual information behind it. For example, you could prove you're over 18 without showing your ID or birthdate. This is powerful in the digital world, where we often give away too much personal data just to access services. With technologies like zkTLS, users can share only what's necessary in a secure, permissionless way—no intermediaries needed. Tools like Cr3dentials and ZKP2P use ZKPs to verify identity and access while keeping user data private, showing how zero-knowledge is reshaping the internet toward privacy and user control.

A Step Toward a User-Empowered Future

At </de_CENTRALIZED>, attendees gathered to hear Kofi Owusu explore how zero-knowledge technology is unlocking a more private, user-controlled internet economy. Through innovative projects like Cr3dentials and ZKP2P, we’re beginning to see how privacy and usability can coexist at scale.

One standout moment was the live demo of zkTLS, a permissionless API enabling secure data sharing without intermediaries. It allows users to reveal only what's necessary—nothing more—shifting control away from centralized platforms and back to individuals.

The session also highlighted Cr3dentials’ real-time, privacy-preserving identity verification powered by ZKP2P. As a bonus, one lucky participant received 9.971 USDC directly to their wallet, proving the tech in action.

Engaged questions from the audience made it clear: people are ready to embrace the practical power of zero-knowledge and build toward a more decentralized, user-first future.