Episode 194 - ZkCloud - Decentralizing the Cloud: Blockchain and Zero Knowledge Proofs for a Fair Internet

Crypto Altruists: Real-World Stories of Social & Environmental Impact with Web3

In episode 194, we’re excited to welcome Norbert Vadas, Head of Product at ZkCloud, a leading platform building the first truly decentralized cloud for Zero-Knowledge proving. Before diving into blockchain, Norbert spent over a decade working with global organizations like UNICEF and FAO, navigating the intersection of finance, governance, and emerging tech. He later transitioned into Web3 as part of the Ethereum Protocol Fellowship, where he explored ZK proving’s potential to transform how we validate and secure data.

We explore:

1. How Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proving is revolutionizing blockchain scalability and privacy.
2. Why decentralized cloud computing could be the key to a an inclusive, fair, and accessible internet powered by the people.
3. How Norbert’s journey—from working with UNICEF and FAO to becoming an Ethereum Fellow—has shaped his mission to leverage ZK proofs and Web3 tools for real-world impact

--Key Takeaways--

🔍 Privacy & Security: Why ZK Proofs Matter - Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs allow verification without revealing underlying data, making them a game-changer for privacy. Unlike optimistic rollups, ZK rollups provide built-in cryptographic guarantees, reducing trust assumptions and enhancing security.

🌍 ZK for Impact: Humanitarian & Ethical Applications - From identity verification and proof of aid distribution to decentralized voting and supply chain transparency, ZK proofs can power more ethical and accountable systems.

💰 Unlocking New Use Cases by Reducing Costs - ZK proving is currently expensive with traditional cloud providers, limiting adoption. Decentralized proving solutions make proving more cost-effective, opening the door to new economically viable use cases.

🧠 ZK Proofs & Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Tool for Truth Verification - As generative AI becomes more powerful, the need for cryptographic truth verification grows. ZK proofs can play a vital role in distinguishing real from synthetic content, ensuring authenticity in an era of deepfakes and AI-generated info.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruism.org/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-194-zkcloud-decentralizing-the-cloud-blockchain-and-zero-knowledge-proofs-for-a-fair-internet

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--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruism.org.