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Akash Kumar
Akash Kumar

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ZK-Chat — A Private Messaging DApp

*This is a submission for the [Midnight Network "Privacy First" Challenge]

ZK-Chat — A Private Messaging DApp
What I Built
ZK-Chat is a decentralized messaging app that enables encrypted, anonymous communication using zero-knowledge proofs for identity and message integrity. It solves the problem of surveillance and metadata leakage in traditional messaging platforms.

Demo

Encrypted chat interface

ZK proof of sender authenticity

Message integrity validation

How I Used Midnight's Technology
Compact Language: Built circuits for sender identity and message integrity

MidnightJS: Used to generate proofs and encrypt messages

Smart Contracts: Store encrypted messages and validate sender proofs

Data Protection as a Core Feature
Messages are end-to-end encrypted

Sender identity is verified via ZK proofs, not exposed

No metadata (IP, location, etc.) is stored

UI includes “Privacy Bubble” showing encryption status

Set Up Instructions / Tutorial
Clone repo and install dependencies

Compile ZK circuits for messaging

Deploy contracts to Midnight testnet

Start frontend and simulate chat with mock users

View encrypted messages and proof validation

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