Definition ∞ A trusted setup is a preliminary phase in certain cryptographic protocols, particularly those employing zero-knowledge proofs, where specific cryptographic parameters are generated. This generation process requires a degree of trust that the parameters are correctly produced and that any secret information used in their creation is securely destroyed. The integrity of the trusted setup is paramount, as any compromise could undermine the security guarantees of the entire protocol. It represents a critical dependency for many advanced privacy-enhancing technologies.
Context ∞ The concept of a trusted setup is frequently discussed in relation to the security and decentralization of zero-knowledge proof systems used in blockchains. News often highlights efforts to mitigate the trust assumptions inherent in these setups, such as through multi-party computation (MPC) ceremonies where multiple parties contribute to parameter generation. Debates center on the risks of compromised setups and the ongoing development of trustless or verifiably secure parameter generation methods.
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