zkBob pool on TRON sunsets October 29, 2024
The zkBob pool on TRON will sunset on October 29, 2024. While the zk technology is cutting edge, the application is extremely intuitive for end users, and the implementation introduces the potential of advanced zkSnark functionality into the TRON ecosystem, zkBob on TRON did not ultimately receive enough consumer usage to justify ongoing support.
The zkBob TRON pool was initiated at the beginning of the year after an extended R&D period from zkBob researchers.The zkBob team was active in the TRON repository, opening an issue and several pull requests to optimize the performance of bn128 precompiles. Because these precompiles are slow, on-chain zkSNARKs verification is impacted, making zk-based apps very difficult to properly implement on TRON.
To address this, zkBob added a crucial piece of software for performing elliptic curve pairing checks required by many zkSNARK proving systems. Two approaches were suggested to improve the node implementation, but these updates were ultimately not incorporated into the TRON native application (status is still open). These contributions may still be added in the future if zkSNARK functionality becomes a higher priority. For context, the issues and pull request contributions are listed here.
- https://github.com/tronprotocol/java-tron/issues/5492
- https://github.com/tronprotocol/java-tron/pull/5611
- https://github.com/tronprotocol/zksnark-java-sdk/pull/9
- https://github.com/tronprotocol/java-tron/pull/5507
zkBob on TRON will remain live until October 29, 2024 with limited USDT funds remaining in the pool. It is important for all users to withdraw their USDT prior to the October 29 date. Funds that remain in the pool after that date will not be accessible. We appreciate those who used the TRON pool for privacy in stablecoin transactions. Please note that zkBob remains active on Optimism and Polygon, and can be accessed at https://app.zkbob.com/.