We construct a general multiparty computation (MPC) protocol in the common random string (CRS) model with only two rounds of interaction, which is known to be optimal. In the honest-but-curious setting we only rely on the learning with errors (LWE) assumption, and in the fully malicious setting we additionally assume the existence of non-interactive zero knowledge arguments (NIZKs). Previously, Asharov et al. (EUROCRYPT '12) showed how to achieve three rounds based on LWE and NIZKs, while Garg et al. (TCC '14) showed how to achieve the optimal two rounds based on indistinguishability obfuscation, but it was unknown if two rounds were possible under simpler assumptions without obfuscation.

Our approach relies on \emph{multi-key fully homomorphic encryption (MFHE)}, introduced by Lopez-Alt et al. (STOC '12), which enables homomorphic computation over data encrypted under different keys. We simplify a recent construction of MFHE based on LWE by Clear and McGoldrick (ePrint '14), and give a stand-alone exposition of that scheme. We then extend this construction to allow for a one-round distributed decryption of a multi-key ciphertext. Our entire MPC protocol consists of the following two rounds:

- Each party individually encrypts its input under its own key and broadcasts the ciphertext. All parties can then homomorphically compute a multi-key encryption of the output.

- Each party broadcasts a partial decryption of the output using its secret key. The partial decryptions can be combined to recover the output in plaintext.

Joint work with: Pratyay Mukherjee