Zero-Knowledge AI: Privacy-First ML Inference in Distributed Ecosystems

Abstract

At a time when data privacy laws and cyber-attacks are on the rise, Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) hold the potential of a transformational paradigm of safe (privacy-preserving) machine learning (ML) inferences. In this paper, we present a new architecture that facilitates Zero-Knowledge AI, in which sensitive data inputs and internal model parameters remain unknown during the model inference procedure across distributed ecosystems. The proposed framework can help preserve privacy standards like GDPR and HIPAA, inference accuracies, and scalability of these inferences by utilising mechanisms to observe cryptographic zero-knowledge protocols, as well as federated learning protocols. We describe the construction of ZK-friendly models to apply to neural inference pipelines, efficient zk-SNARK-based model validation, decentralized trusting schemes, and privacy-respecting model auditing. Testing over a variety of healthcare and financial datasets indicates that our Zero-Knowledge AI solution results in high privacy guarantees with limited throughput losses. The work provides a strong basis on how to implement trusted and privacy-first AI systems in the real life and distributed operating environment.