Dogecoin News Today: Dogecoin Proposes Native ZK Proof Verification to Expand Blockchain Utility

Dogecoin is set to expand its functionality with a proposal to natively verify zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, a move that could significantly enhance its role in the blockchain ecosystem. The DogeOS team, part of the MyDoge wallet development group, has submitted a formal proposal to the Dogecoin Core network introducing a new opcode known as OP_CHECKZKP. This opcode would allow the Dogecoin blockchain to verify cryptographic proofs directly on-chain, starting with Groth16, a widely adopted type of ZK proof[1].

The initiative aims to leverage an unused section of the Dogecoin script system to verify ZK proofs. By doing so, the network can support advanced off-chain applications such as rollups and smart contracts while retaining its core strengths of speed and simplicity. The design emphasizes modularity and pragmatism, ensuring that computation remains off-chain while Dogecoin verifies the results[1].

This proposal marks a pivotal technical advancement for Dogecoin, transitioning the proof-of-work blockchain from a basic payment system to a platform capable of supporting decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, identity management, and other verifiable on-chain applications. The approach is built on a strictly opt-in model, where nodes that do not recognize the new opcode will treat it as a no-op, preserving backward compatibility and avoiding disruptive forks or virtual machine (VM) bloat[1].

Tim Stebbing, director of the Dogecoin Foundation, emphasized the importance of this development for ecosystem interoperability. He noted that enabling Dogecoin to work with ZK layer-2 (L2) solutions would allow the network to maintain its status as the fastest and most accessible blockchain for global use. Furthermore, the DogeOS team is working on an EVM-compatible zkVM, which would allow Ethereum-based applications to run directly on Dogecoin infrastructure, broadening its utility and appeal[1].

However, the proposal comes with practical constraints. Verifying a Groth16 proof typically takes between 10 to 20 milliseconds, and to prevent validation delays, the proposal sets strict limits: a maximum of one ZKP per script and five per block. These limitations are expected to be reviewed and adjusted as the technology matures and adoption grows.

The timing of this development coincides with a surge in institutional interest in Dogecoin. In recent weeks, organizations such as Bit Origin have secured up to $500 million in funding to develop a Dogecoin treasury, signaling growing confidence in the asset’s potential[1].

Source: [1] Dogecoin Could Soon Verify ZK Proofs Natively, Thanks to DogeOS Push (https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/07/23/dogecoin-could-soon-verify-zk-proofs-natively-thanks-to-dogeos-push)