Definition ∞ Verifiable decryption is a cryptographic process where a party decrypting a ciphertext can provide a proof that the decryption was performed correctly, without revealing the plaintext or the decryption key. This proof allows any observer to confirm the accuracy of the decryption operation. It ensures accountability and trustworthiness in systems where decryption is performed by a third party. This technique is critical for secure data handling in privacy-preserving applications.
Context ∞ Verifiable decryption is highly relevant for secure multi-party computation and confidential data processing in decentralized systems. Discussions often concern the computational cost and complexity of generating and verifying these proofs, especially for large datasets. Future developments include more efficient zero-knowledge proof systems that reduce the overhead of verifiable decryption, enabling its broader application in confidential smart contracts and secure data marketplaces.