Starknet

Starknet has released its post-quantum cryptography roadmap, addressing the looming threat of quantum computers breaking current blockchain security. **Key Features:** - Hash-based STARKs provide quantum-resistant cryptographic proofs - Native Account Abstraction enables security upgrades without protocol changes - Post-quantum wallets are already deployable on the network today The network was designed with quantum threats in mind from inception. STARKs are inherently resistant to quantum attacks, while the upgradeable wallet architecture allows security evolution as quantum computing advances. Starknet positions itself ahead of other blockchains facing "Q Day" - the anticipated moment when quantum computers become powerful enough to break traditional cryptographic systems. The remaining implementation work is described as relatively minimal compared to other networks. The roadmap provides a technical pathway for maintaining security in a post-quantum computing era.

**Privacy features for USDC are now operational on Starknet**, enabling users to conduct private transfers and swaps with the familiar stablecoin. **Key capabilities:** - Shield USDC into private balances with one click - Execute confidential swaps through Ready and Xverse wallets - Unshield back to standard ERC-20 behavior anytime - Maintain full auditability for tax and legal compliance Powered by **STRK20**, Starknet's privacy framework for ERC-20 assets, the feature allows users to transact without exposing balances, amounts, or counterparties on the public ledger. Transactions cost a flat 4 STRK with no variable pricing. The privacy pool strengthens as more users join, making individual transactions harder to isolate. An encrypted viewing key enables selective disclosure to authorized auditors when legally required. [Learn more about USDC privacy features](https://www.starknet.io/privacy-features-for-usdc-on-starknet/)

**The Problem with Stablecoin Transparency** Stablecoins face a fundamental privacy challenge: blockchain transparency exposes every transaction detail by default. - Sender and recipient addresses are publicly visible - Transaction amounts and timing are recorded permanently - This creates operational risks for businesses **Business Operations at Risk** The lack of privacy makes several critical functions difficult to execute onchain: - Payroll processing - Treasury management - Supplier payments - OTC trading flows - Capital deployment strategies A new solution appears to address these limitations, potentially enabling confidential stablecoin transactions at scale.

**STRK20** introduces privacy features for ERC-20 tokens on Starknet while maintaining regulatory compliance through encrypted viewing keys. **Key Features:** - Private balances, transfers, and swaps for any ERC-20 on Starknet - Fixed cost of 4 $STRK per transaction, regardless of size - Single shared privacy pool that strengthens as more users join - Encrypted viewing keys allow authorized auditors to access specific information on legitimate requests **How It Works:** Users can shield ERC-20 tokens into private balances, conduct private transactions, then unshield with one click—all within the same wallet and liquidity pools. The framework leverages Starknet's provable computation capabilities to verify private transactions without exposing details. As the privacy pool grows with more users and assets, individual transactions become harder to isolate. **Ecosystem Expansion:** STRK20 is rolling out across Starknet with integrations for [avnu](https://avnu.fi) and [Ekubo](https://ekubo.org), plus an open-source SDK. The [Proof of Privacy incubator](https://starknet.io) supports teams building private applications for payments, trading, identity, and DeFi. *Privacy by default, accountability when required.*

**Private swaps are now live on Starknet**, marking a significant milestone for privacy-focused DeFi on the network. **Key features:** - Private transactions enabled through Paymaster integration - Powered by AVNU protocol - Available on Starknet Mainnet This launch represents Starknet's entry into privacy-preserving DeFi, allowing users to execute token swaps without publicly exposing transaction details on-chain. The announcement includes a guide for users to begin swapping privately on the platform.

**Privacy doesn't have to mean breaking compliance rules.** Most privacy solutions face a problem: they either can't respond to legal requests without exposing everyone, or they isolate users in fragmented ecosystems. **STRK20 takes a different approach:** - Viewing keys are encrypted by an independent auditor - Legal requests can be answered with scoped access per user - Other users in the pool remain protected - No need to freeze funds or delist assets This design keeps privacy functional while meeting regulatory demands—connecting users to existing DeFi without the compliance risks that have plagued other privacy tools.

At Bitcoin 2026, a new privacy solution for Bitcoin was demonstrated on stage. **strkBTC** enables Bitcoin holders to conduct private transactions on Starknet through a privacy pool system. **How it works:** - Users bridge their BTC into the Starknet network - Balances and transfers become shielded within the privacy pool - Bitcoin remains fully redeemable back to native BTC at any time - External observers only see bridge deposits and withdrawals - Internal transaction activity stays private The solution gives Bitcoin users optional privacy without sacrificing the ability to return to native BTC. Users maintain control over when to enter and exit the privacy layer.

Starknet mainnet experienced a brief ~10 minute downtime starting at 8:10 AM UTC on April 20 for the v0.14.2 protocol upgrade. **Key Changes:** - **In-protocol proof verification** - Starknet can now verify proofs natively at the protocol level, eliminating expensive application-layer workarounds - **Native privacy unlocked** - Enables STRK20 and strkBTC tokens with built-in privacy features - **zkThreads foundation** - Lays groundwork for infinite scaling through parallel execution - **Decentralization building blocks** - Adds infrastructure for future decentralized validation The upgrade passed community vote on April 16 after STRK stakers and delegators approved the changes. Additional improvements include revised storage economics and StarkGate token contract upgrades. This represents a fundamental shift in how Starknet handles proof verification, moving critical functionality from the application layer into the core protocol.

**strkBTC is set to launch by end of April/early May**, bringing a new Bitcoin wrapper to Starknet that combines hard money principles with privacy and DeFi productivity. **Key features:** - Privacy-enabled Bitcoin transactions - Built on STRK20s privacy technology - Compliance integrated from day one - Full DeFi composability on Starknet **What this means:** Bitcoin holders will be able to do more than just HODL - they can participate in Starknet's DeFi ecosystem while maintaining privacy. The asset aims to provide Bitcoiners with confidential balances and private transfers. **Get involved:** Interested users can contact the team at [strk20.starknet.io](https://strk20.starknet.io/) to participate in the upcoming launch. Bitcoin can already be bridged to Starknet in preparation. This launch is part of Starknet's broader privacy initiative, which includes STRK20s - a privacy layer for all ERC-20 tokens with built-in compliance.

Starknet has activated **post-quantum resistant wallets** on its network, marking a significant step in blockchain security. **Key Features:** - No address changes required for users - No hard fork needed for implementation - Proving system already post-quantum by design - Seamless upgrade path for existing wallets This development positions Starknet ahead of potential quantum computing threats to blockchain security, while maintaining backward compatibility.