ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Secure multiparty computation

Secure multiparty computation is like playing a game with your friends, where everyone has a secret they don't want to share but they still want to play the game. You all agree on some rules before the game starts, and then you all follow those rules to play the game.

But instead of a game, it can be anything you want. For example, let's say you and your friends want to buy something together, but you don't want anyone to see how much money each person has. You all can use the secure multiparty computation to ensure that no one can cheat or see anyone's secrets.

It works like this: each person inputs their own secret (like how much money they have) into a special computer program. This program mixes up all the secrets and uses some fancy math to calculate the answer to the problem (like how much money you all need to buy that thing together).

The program then sends back the result to everyone, but without revealing anyone's secrets. So you all know the answer, but each person's secret is still safe and private.

In this way, you can use secure multiparty computation to solve problems and make decisions together without anyone having to reveal their secrets. It's like having your cake and eating it too - you can still work together while keeping your secrets safe.