Vitalik Buterin Unveils Details of New ZKP Model Binius

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin discussed the advantages of Binius, a new zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) system. 

The primary aim of this technology is to deliver a significant performance boost compared to traditional models like zk-SNARK.

According to Buterin, Binius achieves greater efficiency by performing computations directly on individual binary bits—zeros and ones. In contrast, SNARK and STARK systems operate with 64-bit and 256-bit integers.

The concept of processing binary data was proposed by Benjamin Diamond and Jim Posen in 2023. The Ethereum co-founder referenced their research.

The basic information processed often consists of small values, such as counters, indices, and logical flags. However, by working directly with bits, Binius can handle this data more efficiently, the developer stated.

Buterin explained that the new verification system processes them as a multidimensional “hypercube” of bits and uses binary “finite fields” to ensure efficient arithmetic operations. 

Binius also employs an encoding and decoding process that transforms bit-level data into a form suitable for “polynomial” processing and Merkle proofs. Thus, the model ensures scalability when working with blockchain information, the programmer added. 

He clarified that the polynomial system has been used in ZKP models for encoding and computations without revealing the underlying information about the operation. 

Buterin demonstrated with an example how “simple Binius” works. For this, he transformed the “hypercube” into a square and then into a Merkle tree. 

“Full Binius” is a more complex algebraic function that allows the protocol to be configured to work with binary fields and fix individual bits. 

The Ethereum co-founder noted that many questions remain open. For instance, Binius requires the setup of efficient algorithms and arithmetization, as well as an examination of its impact on existing SNARK mechanisms.

Previously, Buterin stated that the Proof-of-Work consensus algorithm was merely a temporary phase on the project’s path to Proof-of-Stake.

In March, he described the next five years as “crucial” for the mass adoption of Ethereum and its acceptance in the “real world.”

In April, the developer shared details of the next phase of the project’s roadmap—The Purge. It aims to simplify the network’s structure and reduce the load on nodes.