A Privacy-preserving Trajectory Data Publishing Approach for Protocol Shipment Unit Tracking and Tracing in Cyber-physical Internet

The operation of routers within the Cyber-physical Internet (CPI) can encounter routing loops, causing inefficiencies and delays. Analyzing the trajectory data of Protocol Shipment Units (PSUs) is crucial to address this issue. However, privacy concerns arise as third-party entities operate routers, and PSU trajectory data contains sensitive information. This study proposes a zero-knowledge proof-based approach for privacy-preserving PSU trajectory data publishing in the CPI. The approach allows PSUs to selectively publish trajectory data while ensuring anonymity through a concise statement of zero-knowledge proof. A prototype system is developed using the libsnark library, and performance analysis is conducted on three zero-knowledge proof algorithms based on the system. Additionally, potential research directions, including leveraging smart contracts and multi-party chained proofs are explored. This study significantly contributes to the field of privacy-preserving data publishing in the CPI by addressing the privacy and security concerns associated with PSU trajectory data.