Redactable Signature Schemes and Zero-knowledge Proofs: A comparative examination for applications in Decentralized Digital Identity Systems

Abstract: Redactable Signature Schemes and Zero-Knowledge Proofs are two radically different approaches to enable privacy. This paper analyses their merits and drawbacks when applied to decentralized identity system. Redactable Signatures, though competitively quick and compact, are not as expressive as zero-knowledge proofs and do not provide the same level of privacy. On the other hand, zero-knowledge proofs can be much faster but some protocols require a trusted set-up. We conclude that given the benefits and drawbacks, redactable signatures are more appropriate at an earlier stage and zero-knowledge proofs are more appropriate at a later stage for decentralized identity systems