A Blockchain-Based Framework With Zero-Knowledge Proof Incorporated for Safeguarded Sharing of Genomic Data Through Health Record Systems

Nandini K; Giris Shivappa; Sharon Zachariah; Thanushree B.Tech Thanushree B.Tech; Kavyashree  I. Pattan, M.Tech; Arpita Paria; Savitha  Hiremath, PhD; Revathi  Vaithiyanathan, PhD

doi:10.30953/bhty.v8.419

Authors

Nandini Krishappa, M.Tech, PhD Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5743-3845
Girisha Gowdra Shivappa, PhD Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Sharon Zachariah, B.Tech Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Thanushree B.Tech Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Kavyashree I. Pattan, M.Tech Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Arpita Paria, M.Tech Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Savitha Hiremath, PhD Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India
Revathi Vaithiyanathan, PhD Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30953/bhty.v8.419

Keywords:

Blockchain, genomic data, genomic data sharing, homomorphic encryption, privacy security, smart contracts, zero-knowledge proofs

Abstract

Genomic data sharing remains a core problem in precision medicine because genomic data are highly sensitive and unchangeable. In this article, we propose a blockchain-based framework that utilizes zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), smart contracts, and off-chain storage to facilitate secure, privacy-preserving data sharing within health record systems. We implemented and evaluated a proof-of-concept prototype in Python on a simulated genomic dataset. The prototype uses a hybrid storage system where metadata is retained on a blockchain and encrypted data are placed in an emulated InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Rule-based access is controlled using smart contracts, while privacy and security are achieved using ZKPs with interactive Schnorr protocol and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). Empirical analysis using real-time testing over 100 iterations reported an average zero-knowledge proof with blockchain (ZKPB) query latency of 5.83 ms with a 90.00% accuracy, smart contract latency of under 0.01 ms with 90.00% accuracy, blockchain query time of 0.01 ms with 90.00% accuracy, and ECC latency of 8.72 ms with 90.00% accuracy. These empirical findings validate the effectiveness and privacy guarantees of the framework, which can be utilized in healthcare research, clinical genomics, and personalized medicine workflows.

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