Definition ∞ Public Parameters are a set of shared, publicly known values generated during a setup phase for certain cryptographic proof systems, particularly zero-knowledge proofs. These parameters are essential for both the prover to construct a valid proof and the verifier to check its correctness. Their generation often requires a trusted setup process to ensure security. They act as a common reference for all participants in the proof system.
Context ∞ News and technical analyses concerning zero-knowledge proofs, especially SNARKs, frequently discuss public parameters and the trusted setup ceremonies required for their creation. The security of the entire system often depends on the integrity of this initial parameter generation. Debates about the decentralization and trust assumptions of various ZKP implementations often center on how these public parameters are produced and managed.