a16z Crypto updates Jolt zkVM to natively support zero-knowledge proofs and questions the misuse of the "ZK" label

ZkProver · 2026-03-04T00:36:19+00:00

a16z Crypto criticized the misuse of the term "ZK" in developer environments in its blog, pointing out that most zkVMs do not possess true zero-knowledge properties. As privacy concerns increase, this misuse has become more apparent. a16z has just launched a major upgrade to Jolt zkVM, with native support for zero-knowledge proofs, making it more suitable for privacy applications.

ZkProver

2026-03-04 00:36:19

Abstract generation in progress

ChainCatcher reports that, according to The Block, a16z Crypto criticized the colloquial use of the term “ZK” in some developer environments in a blog post about their Jolt zkVM. The article pointed out that most zkVMs do not actually possess zero-knowledge properties unless expensive “wrapping” procedures are applied. The author also mentioned that “zk” often becomes a synonym for “simplicity,” meaning proofs that are “short and quick to verify,” rather than true zero-knowledge privacy.

As community concern for privacy grows, this misuse of terminology is becoming a real issue. a16z’s open-source Jolt zkVM received a major upgrade on Tuesday, with native support for zero-knowledge proofs. Jolt uses the NovaBlindFold folding scheme to create blind proofs that prevent information leakage, making it suitable for privacy applications. After the upgrade, the generated zero-knowledge proofs are only about 3 KB larger than the original non-ZK proofs.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

2 Likes