A Blockchain-Based E-Participation Framework Utilizing Zero-Knowledge Proofs with Guaranteed Sampling and Differential Reward Mechanisms

Abstract

Blockchain-based E-participation systems significantly enhance transparency, data integrity, and security compared to traditional E-participation methods. However, existing systems often face challenges, such as inefficient attribute sampling in Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP)-based systems and the absence of effective differential reward mechanisms to distinguish between sincere and insincere participants. This paper introduces a blockchain-based E-participation framework designed to address these challenges. The proposed approach improves attribute sampling in ZKP-based systems by incorporating attribute keys, enabling efficient and secure sampling of participants without compromising privacy. This ensures that only eligible participants are selected while maintaining the integrity of the sampling process. Furthermore, the framework uses Shapley Values to implement a robust differential reward system that fairly compensates participants based on their sincerity, encouraging genuine contributions while penalizing insincere behavior. The security of the proposed framework is rigorously validated through a comprehensive security analysis, and its performance is thoroughly evaluated to demonstrate its effectiveness. Additionally, the feasibility of this approach is demonstrated through a prototype with real-world participants, highlighting its practicality and potential for deployment in E-participation systems.