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

Aztec @aztecnetwork is using @ZKPassport to address Sybil attacks in its testnet: 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: Early experiments like 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.

World @worldcoin has launched Priority Blockspace for Humans (PBH) on its mainnet, giving 13 million verified users faster, bot-free access to blockchain services: 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: 🔹 Partnerships 🔹 World has partnered with @StoryProtocol, an IP blockchain platform, to help creators prove and protect their work online: 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 Zcash released a string of new updates: 🔹 @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

Self Protocol 🔹 Tech 🔹 @selfprotocol announced at @EthCC that it now supports biometric EU ID cards for identity verification, expanding beyond passports: 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: 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:

Nym @nymproject now accepts shielded @Zcash (ZEC) payments, adding another layer of anonymity for users: 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:

Reclaim Protocol @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:

Horizen @horizenglobal has launched a vote on ZenIP 42411, a proposal to manage its 3 million $ZEN treasury through passive, on-chain strategies: 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.