According to Huoxing Finance, Aztec Network, backed by a16z, has officially launched the Alpha Network, becoming the first Ethereum Layer 2 with a fully private smart contract execution environment, following unanimous approval via community governance voting. Aztec integrates privacy at three levels: private data enables confidential transactions and RWA transfers; private identity allows selective disclosure to meet compliance requirements; and private computation obscures on-chain behavior, enabling new possibilities for privacy-focused DeFi and gaming applications. Contracts are written in the Rust-style language Noir; privacy logic is executed on the user’s side and generates zero-knowledge proofs, with settlements finalized on Ethereum approximately every 12 seconds. However, this launch comes with a significant warning: Aztec has disclosed known critical security vulnerabilities, and audits are still ongoing. The team advises users to deposit only funds they can afford to lose.
Aztec Network Launches Alpha Mainnet, the First Ethereum Layer 2 with Fully Private Smart Contracts
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Summary
Aztec Network, a privacy-focused Ethereum Layer 2 backed by a16z, has launched its Alpha mainnet—the first to support full smart contract execution with complete privacy. The network enables private transactions, RWA transfers, and selective identity disclosure. Smart contracts are written in Noir, with privacy logic processed on the user’s side and zero-knowledge proofs generated locally. Settlement occurs on Ethereum every 12 seconds. A critical security vulnerability remains unpatched, and audits are still in progress. The team advises users to deposit only funds they can afford to lose. Full node operators are encouraged to closely monitor the network during this early phase.
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