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.

**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.