strkBTC Launches Privacy Layer for Bitcoin on Starknet

**Private swaps are now live on Starknet**, marking a significant milestone for privacy-focused DeFi on the network. **Key features:** - Users can now execute token swaps privately on Starknet mainnet - Powered by AVNU protocol - Works alongside private transactions with Paymaster functionality This launch represents Starknet's push into privacy-preserving DeFi infrastructure, allowing users to trade tokens without exposing transaction details publicly. The feature builds on previous privacy developments announced in April 2026. A guide for executing private swaps is now available for users looking to leverage this new capability.

The **Starknet Foundation** has launched **Proof of Privacy**, an incubator program for teams building private applications using STRK20, Starknet's privacy framework for ERC-20 assets. **What STRK20 enables:** - Shielded balances and private transfers - Private swaps and trading - Cost-effective transactions at 4 STRK with no variable pricing **Target applications:** - Private payments and identity solutions - Gaming and new financial products - DeFi flows including yield, staking, and lending The framework is expanding across the Starknet ecosystem with broader app integrations, open-source SDK access, and private swaps through [avnu](https://avnu.fi) and [Ekubo](https://ekubo.org). Teams interested in building privacy-focused applications can now apply to the incubator program.

Starknet has officially launched privacy capabilities on its network. The announcement details the implementation of privacy features that represent a significant development for the Layer 2 scaling solution. **Key Points:** - Privacy functionality is now live on Starknet - This follows previous announcements about bringing privacy solutions to Bitcoin - The launch represents the "next natural chapter" for blockchain privacy The full technical details and implementation specifics are available in the official blog post. This development positions Starknet as a privacy-focused scaling solution in the Ethereum ecosystem. [Read the full announcement](https://www.starknet.io/blog/privacy-live-on-starknet/)

**Privacy features are now live on Starknet** through Ready and Xverse wallets, allowing users to shield assets with a single click. **Key features now available:** - Private transfers between wallets - Shielded balances for selected assets - One-click shielding and unshielding - Private swaps through Ready and Xverse **How it works:** Users can select any supported asset (like strkBTC) in their wallet and tap "Shield" to enable privacy. The process integrates directly into existing wallets - no new applications or assets required. **Important note:** Users must unshield balances before bridging assets out, as shielded balances won't appear in bridge interfaces. This marks the launch of Shieldnet, bringing privacy functionality to where users already interact with crypto on Starknet.

Starknet has officially launched **[STRK20]**, a new privacy-focused token standard on its network. This follows the deployment of Starknet v0.14.2, dubbed "The Privacy Engine," which was announced in April 2026. **Key Points:** - STRK20 represents a significant step forward in bringing privacy features to the Starknet ecosystem - The standard builds on Starknet's recent v0.14.2 upgrade focused on privacy capabilities - This launch positions Starknet as a layer-2 solution with enhanced privacy functionality The rollout marks Starknet's commitment to addressing privacy concerns in blockchain transactions while maintaining the scalability benefits of its zero-knowledge rollup technology. The STRK20 standard is now live and available for developers and users on the network.