Definition ∞ A General Purpose SNARK is a type of Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge that can prove the correctness of any arbitrary computation without revealing sensitive inputs. Unlike SNARKs designed for specific applications, these systems offer broad utility across a wide array of computational tasks. They represent a significant advancement in verifiable computation.
Context ∞ General purpose SNARKs are fundamental to advancing privacy and scalability solutions in blockchain technology, enabling efficient verifiable computation off-chain. Their ongoing development is a critical area of cryptographic research, promising enhanced efficiency and data confidentiality for decentralized applications. News often reports on breakthroughs that broaden their applicability and improve their performance.