Definition ∞ Trustless setup primitives are cryptographic building blocks that do not require a trusted third party or a complex multi-party computation to generate their initial parameters. These primitives are designed such that their security does not rely on the honesty of a setup phase, eliminating a potential single point of failure or attack vector. They offer a higher degree of decentralization and censorship resistance.
Context ∞ For zero-knowledge proof systems, which are vital for blockchain scalability and privacy, trustless setup primitives are highly sought after to remove the need for a “trusted setup ceremony.” The development of such primitives, like those found in STARKs, addresses a key concern regarding the centralization of trust in some cryptographic constructions. Their adoption enhances the overall security and decentralization guarantees of digital asset protocols.