Research on Technologies of Blockchain and Their Cross-Domain Applications:Systematic Exploration Based on Zero-Knowledge Proof and Regulatory Requirements

Abstract

Blockchain technology has garnered widespread attention across various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government services due to its decentralized, tamper-resistant, and traceable nature. However, the conflict between privacy protection and regulatory compliance has emerged as a key barrier to its further development. Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), as a next-generation privacy-enhancing technology, offers unique advantages in achieving "verifiability without disclosure." This paper systematically reviews the core technologies of blockchain and existing privacy protection methods, providing an in-depth comparison of mainstream ZKP protocols (e.g., zk-SNARK, zk-STARK, and PLONK) in terms of efficiency, security, and generality. It highlights how ZKP has become a technological pillar for privacy-compliant blockchain systems. The paper then explores practical application models of ZKP in cross-domain scenarios such as healthcare, finance, e-government, and supply chains, and further analyzes potential mechanisms through which ZKP can fulfill regulatory requirements such as AML, KYC, and auditing while preserving privacy. Finally, it discusses current technical bottlenecks and future development trends, including the integration of ZKP with AI, secure hardware, and post-quantum cryptography, as well as strategic frameworks for building a scalable and regulation-friendly blockchain ecosystem.