Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the Privacy ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates
Featuring: @aztecnetwork, @ZKPassport, @worldcoin, @Zcash, @selfprotocol, @nymproject, @reclaimprotocol, @MinaProtocol/@o1_labs, @horizenglobal, @Rarimo_protocol, @zkemail, @0xHolonym/@HumnPassport, & @TACEO_IO
@aztecnetwork is using @ZKPassport to address Sybil attacks in its testnet: https://aztec.network/blog/zkpassport-case-study-a-look-into-online-identity-verification
Unlike traditional KYC methods, ZKPassport uses zero-knowledge proofs generated on users’ devices from government-issued IDs.
This client-side verification increases daily validator capacity while preserving privacy and decentralization, making it easier for legitimate users to join and participate in the network.
The project also shared an article explaining how Aztec evolved from its 2017 origins as a corporate debt platform into a fully private, programmable, and decentralized L2 network on Ethereum: https://x.com/aztecnetwork/status/1945824934367826400
Early experiments like http://zk.money and Aztec Connect showed demand for privacy, but lacked decentralization. This led to innovations such as PLONK, enabling cheap, programmable privacy, and @NoirLang, a language for ZK apps.
Today, Aztec is building a decentralized network of provers, sequencers, and nodes to support new apps - from private lending to privacy-preserving games - blending blockchain transparency with real-world privacy requirements for mainstream adoption.
@ZKPassport has launched its Registry Explorer - a transparency tool linked to its onchain Certificate Registry: https://x.com/ZKPassport/status/1935445932729942119
It lets users view current and past certificates used to validate digital passports and IDs. By offering clear access to verification data, the tool supports greater trust in ZKPassport’s identity system while maintaining the privacy principles of ZKPs.
ZKPassport is also helping @aztecnetwork to verify real users on its testnet. Using ZKPs generated on users’ phones, the app confirms valid ID ownership without sharing personal data. This allows more human node operators to join daily, further easing Sybil attack risks: https://aztec.network/blog/zkpassport-case-study-a-look-into-online-identity-verification
@worldcoin has launched Priority Blockspace for Humans (PBH) on its mainnet, giving 13 million verified users faster, bot-free access to blockchain services: https://world.org/blog/announcements/priority-blockspace-launches-for-13-million-humans-on-world-chain-mainnet
Developed with Flashbots and @Alchemy, PBH ensures key transactions like ID verification remain reliable during high demand. Built on open-source tools like Rollup Boost, this system prioritizes real humans over bots in block production.
Additionally, @world_chain_ has launched the Deep Face Mini App pilot, enabling instant verification that a person is human and not a deepfake, using privacy-focused technology developed by World: https://x.com/world_chain_/status/1938001529312841876
Partnerships
World has partnered with @StoryProtocol, an IP blockchain platform, to help creators prove and protect their work online: https://world.org/blog/announcements/world-and-story-author-the-next-chapter-of-real-human-creativity
By integrating World ID, creators can verify authorship, license their content, and set usage rules. The goal is to ensure real human work remains trusted and valued in a digital space crowded with AI-generated content and impersonation.
Zcash released a string of new updates: https://zechub.substack.com/p/zcash-shielded-news-vol38
@nymproject now accepts fully private Shielded ZEC payments via @BtcpayServer
@binance removed the monitoring tag from ZEC, signaling renewed trust
Key proposals reviewed at the 7/7 ZCG meeting, including Centi, Iron Fish, and QEDIT
Zebra 2.4.0 released with major upgrades and TEX address support
Highlights from the Z|ECC Summit in Prague: @zashi_app progress, Zallet Alpha prep, and zcashd deprecation roadmap
Info around ongoing efforts to grow ZEC adoption, privacy tech, and cross-chain integrations
Tech
@selfprotocol announced at @EthCC that it now supports biometric EU ID cards for identity verification, expanding beyond passports: https://self.xyz/blog/self-now-supports-eu-id-scanning-for-identity-verification
With millions of EU-standard IDs in circulation, users can verify identity using ZKPs via the Self app, keeping data stored only on their device. This update increases access across 27 countries, allowing users to confirm details like age or nationality without compromising privacy.
Partnerships
Self are partnering with @VelodromeFi to verify user humanity in DeFi through Self Pass. Verified participants will receive boosted rewards across initial @Celo-based trading pairs like USDT/WETH and CELO/USDC. This pilot marks the beginning of a wider rollout across more than 10 OP Superchain networks as Velodrome integrates onchain identity verification: https://self.xyz/blog/velodrome-x-self-boosted-rewards-for-real-humans
The project has also partnered with @get_para to integrate Self’s privacy-focused identity system with Para’s embedded crypto wallet tools. This allows one-time onboarding, credential reuse, and sybil resistance while keeping user data private.
Para’s SDK offers secure, passkey-enabled wallets with simple login options, interoperable across EVM and @solana. The collaboration supports seamless access and verification across decentralized apps: https://x.com/selfprotocol/status/1945535256406495697
@nymproject now accepts shielded @Zcash (ZEC) payments, adding another layer of anonymity for users: https://nym.com/blog/nymvpn-with-zcash
This integration allows private purchases without exposing personal or financial information. Built with help from @BtcpayServer and @ZecHub, the move advances privacy-preserving payments. With ZEC’s ZKPs, transactions remain fully encrypted.
Additionally, NymVPN is now available in @unstoppablebyhs settings, offering enhanced privacy alongside TOR support.
NymVPN supports anonymous crypto payments, resists censorship with customizable nodes in 50+ countries, and works across all major platforms - prioritizing privacy over speed: https://x.com/nymproject/status/1945353044868173864
@reclaimprotocol as released a new development update, highlighting key upgrades across its toolkits:
The JS SDK v4.2.3 features a redesigned QR modal with extension auto-detection and smoother user flows.
Mobile SDK v0.10.3 adds async locks, improved error handling, and clearer verification.
The browser extension now fetches scripts dynamically for better speed and flexibility.
Additionally, Reclaim Co-founder @madhavanmalolan teased another big update coming for Reclaim Protocol: https://x.com/madhavanmalolan/status/1943675060985712792
@horizenglobal has launched a vote on ZenIP 42411, a proposal to manage its 3 million $ZEN treasury through passive, on-chain strategies: https://x.com/horizenglobal/status/1945202400756949434
The plan avoids selling or dumping $ZEN and instead uses smart liquidity vaults on @base. It includes privacy-enhancing technology via zk circuits from Singularity, ensuring obfuscated DAO transactions while maintaining transparency through regular disclosures.
@zkemail and @ensdomains have introduced “Email-as-ENS”, letting users link their email addresses to @ethereum wallets: https://x.com/zkemail/status/1941165670366130195
By replacing “@” with “$” and adding “.zkemail.eth,” emails become usable ENS names. Users confirm via email reply, enabling wallet integration across Web3 apps.
Beta access is available through their Telegram group for early users.
@HumnPassport by @0xHolonym has launched a redesigned Human Passport app with a cleaner UI and smoother user experience: https://x.com/HumnPassport/status/1943384387258810724
Stamp Cards now include extended descriptions, built-in guides, and clearer details. Users can log in via @HumanWallets and access new stamps like Proof of Clean Hands and Biometrics.
Over 150 campaigns have used Stamps, which remain central to verifying real humans with less friction and more clarity.
@TACEO_IO shared an article explaining how Multi Party Computation could reshape KYC in crypto by addressing regulatory requirements without compromising user privacy: https://core.taceo.io/articles/mpc-kyc/
The piece critiques today’s centralized KYC systems for their inefficiency, privacy risks, and security flaws.
TACEO proposes a distributed compliance model using MPC and Private Shared State, enabling encrypted identity verification, verifiable compliance proofs, and controlled regulator access.
This approach could support privacy-preserving stablecoins and a more decentralized, auditable identity infrastructure.
