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id, name, image, section, projectStatus, category, tldr, tags, links, team
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| vOPRF | Web2-ID Nullifiers using vOPRF | pse | active | research | Enabling pseudonymous systems for Web2 identities using verifiable Oblivious PseudoRandom Functions (vOPRFs). |
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Web2-ID Nullifiers using vOPRF
Project Overview
Web2-ID Nullifiers is a cryptographic infrastructure project that enables pseudonymous systems for Web2 identities (like email or social accounts) using verifiable Oblivious PseudoRandom Functions (vOPRFs). The project addresses the absence of native nullifiers in Web2 IDs—essential for enabling anonymous voting, forum participation, and other on-chain, privacy-preserving applications—by enabling secure, private nullifier generation tied to Web2 identity proofs (e.g., from zkEmail or TLSNotary).
Objective
The goal is to create a secure, scalable protocol and supporting infrastructure that allows Web2 identities to be used pseudonymously across decentralized applications. This includes building a global registry akin to a "Web2 Semaphore," allowing users to reuse nullifiers without revealing their identity and without requiring trusted parties.
Project Status
- Stage: MVP Development
- Status: Active
- Team Lead: Rasul Ibragimov
- Team Members: Aditya Bisht (joining full-time in May)
Technical Approach
The vOPRF protocol enables deterministic yet private randomness generation. Nullifiers are computed via MPC-based OPRF, using ZK proofs to tie identity commitments (from protocols like zkEmail) to blinded requests. The design protects user identity while ensuring nullifier uniqueness and verifiability.
Key elements include:
- ZK proofs for identity commitment verification without revealing the underlying identity
- MPC-based OPRF networks to prevent single points of trust
- Global Registry Contract for reusability across applications
Milestones
- February 2025: Full protocol spec and ethresearch post published
- See ethresearch post and full description of protocol on Github and this presentation
- March 2025: Initial implementation (vOPRF + zk circuits) completed see https://github.com/privacy-scaling-explorations/vOPRF-ID
- May 2025: Launch of PoC—fork of Stealthnote enabling pseudonymous posting via Web2-derived nullifiers
- July 2025 (planned): Production-ready OPRF server with key rotation and node monitoring
- Q3 2025 (planned): Global Registry MVP for Web2-IDs
Applications
The protocol enables a broad range of applications requiring privacy and pseudonymity:
- Anonymous voting using Google or email accounts, without sign-ups or wallets
- Pseudonymous forums tied to organizational emails (e.g., @ethereum.org)
- Anonymous airdrops for GitHub users, Reddit accounts, etc.
- Web2-on-chain identity bridging across zkEmail, TLSNotary, Anon Aadhaar, and more
Publications
- Part I: Web2 Nullifiers using vOPRF
- Part II: Web2 Nullifiers pt. II
- Research post on Ethereum Research
Resources
Contact
- Magamedrasul Ibragimov: curryrasul@pse.dev | @curryrasul
- Join the PSE Discord](https://discord.com/invite/sF5CT5rzrR)