The Data Exchange Protocol over Multi-chain Blockchain Using Zero-Knowledge Proof

The implementation of blockchain technology is becoming popular among cyber-physical systems. However, the current solutions suffer from scalability and privacy issues. In this position paper, we leverage zero-knowledge proof and multichain technology to propose an efficient system for data transferring across different components. Each component may maintain a private chain storing its data, and the system acts as a relayer between different chains, in which multiple private chains are efficient for appending new data. Only encrypted data is transferred from a source chain to a destination chain. The relayer handles data transferring in two phases: send and receive, and the relayer keeps a Merkle tree of all sent data. In fact, it only transfers the data if the receiver can submit a valid zero-knowledge proof that proves the ownership of the data. The zero-knowledge proof discloses nothing but the statement is true; therefore it protects anonymity for the data owners. This system is secure and satisfies relevant properties such as ledger indistinguishability, transaction non-malleability, and matchability.