Swiss non-profit organization, ZeroSync Association, has announced a partnership with Bitcoin infrastructure firm, Blockstream, to broadcast Bitcoin zero-knowledge proofs using Blockstream’s satellite. This move is expected to allow Bitcoin nodes to sync rapidly from any location worldwide, even in areas with limited or unreliable internet access. Zero-knowledge proofs enable nodes to validate the Bitcoin blockchain without having to download the current 500GB of data, resulting in much faster sync times.

By using this technique, ZeroSync aims to assist in the scaling of Bitcoin and bring it to a wider global audience. The first experimental broadcast is set to occur by the end of the year, and the newly-formed ZeroSync Association will work to apply cryptographic techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs, to prove information’s validity while protecting privacy. The partners hope this move will help to further democratize access to Bitcoin while maintaining its security and integrity.