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

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.