Introduction
Welocme to zkSIM is a privacy-preserving eSIM platform using Zero-Knowledge proofs
What is zkSIM?
zkSIM is a privacy-preserving eSIM technology powered by zero-knowledge proofs. It allows users to authenticate, activate, and manage mobile connectivity without revealing sensitive identifiers like IMSI, phone number, or personal data.
zkSIM introduces a new identity layer for eSIMs where the network operator only verifies validity, not identity - using cryptographic proofs instead of real user information.
Core Concepts & Features
zkSIM combines advanced cryptography, zero-knowledge proof systems, and modern telecom infrastructure to create a new privacy-preserving standard for mobile connectivity. Below is a high-level overview of the core concepts covered in this documentation:
Zero-Knowledge Authentication: Traditional eSIMs rely on exposing identifiers like IMSI to authenticate users. zkSIM replaces this model with zero-knowledge proofs, allowing a device to prove subscription validity without revealing its identity, metadata, or personal information.
Pseudonymous eSIM Identity: Instead of binding connectivity to a real user profile, zkSIM generates a pseudonymous cryptographic identity. This identity is used to produce proofs of legitimacy, enabling secure access while keeping the user anonymous.
Privacy-Preserving eSIM Activation: Whether activating a new eSIM or renewing a plan, zkSIM ensures that all verification happens through ZK proofs. Operators can confirm that a user has a valid subscription, tariff, or activation right—without learning anything about the user.
Anonymous eSIM Marketplace: zkSIM enables eSIM purchases without linking wallets, phone numbers, or accounts to user identity. Proofs confirm payment and plan validity, while users remain fully pseudonymous. This opens the door to fully private telecom onboarding.
Web3-Enabled Connectivity: With optional Web3 integration, zkSIM can connect to decentralized systems. Wallets can act as subscription proofs, on-chain assets can unlock data plans, and ZK attestations can be used across DePIN networks or Web3 applications.
Modular Architecture: Every part of zkSIM—identity layer, proof engine, validation server, eSIM simulator, marketplace logic, and optional Web3 modules—is designed to function independently. Developers can adopt individual components or run the full stack end-to-end.
Secure and Developer-Friendly: Built with modern ZK tooling and a TypeScript-based stack, zkSIM offers a clean, extensible foundation for experimenting with private connectivity systems. The entire protocol is open-source, allowing researchers, developers, and telecom builders to explore and extend the design freely.
Who is this for?
Privacy-Focused Developers who want to experiment with zero-knowledge authentication and build applications that require identity-free access control.
Telecom Innovators exploring new connectivity models, private eSIM activation flows, or next-generation SIM provisioning without exposing user metadata
Web3 & DePIN Builders looking to integrate mobile access with on-chain assets, token-gated networks, or decentralized connectivity systems.
Security Researchers interested in pseudonymous identity layers, ZK proof systems, and cryptographic approaches to subscriber authentication.
Organizations that need privacy-preserving verification for users, devices, or IoT hardware without relying on traditional SIM-based identity exposure.
Anyone who believes mobile connectivity should be secure, user-controlled, and free from unnecessary data collection.
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