Starknet

**Shieldnet** is launching a privacy solution designed to integrate with existing crypto infrastructure. **Key features:** - **One-click asset shielding** for users with wallet privacy controls - **Privacy integration** for builders without rebuilding infrastructure - **ERC-20 privacy** for asset issuers on Starknet without new tokens or wrappers - **Default confidentiality** for institutions with customizable disclosure options The platform aims to add privacy functionality to current crypto systems rather than requiring migration to new standards or creating fragmented liquidity pools.

Starknet has published **11 concrete project ideas** for developers to build using STRK-20 tokens on their network. The challenge is simple: these applications will eventually be built - the question is who builds them first. The announcement emphasizes Starknet's **developer-friendly infrastructure**, making it straightforward to create consumer applications while abstracting away blockchain complexity. This positions the network as accessible for building diverse use cases. **Key points:** - 11 specific building opportunities outlined - Some ideas are concrete, others remain open design spaces - Race-to-build dynamic created for developers - Focus on consumer app accessibility The initiative appears designed to **stimulate ecosystem growth** by providing clear direction for builders while maintaining competitive incentives.

A new payroll system is being developed that operates on public blockchains while maintaining organizational privacy. **Key Features:** - All salary payments and contributor compensation visible on-chain - Every pay cycle publicly readable by default - Organizational structure remains private This approach contrasts with earlier privacy-focused solutions that kept salaries confidential. The system aims to provide full payment transparency without revealing internal hierarchies or reporting structures. The platform represents a shift toward radical compensation transparency in web3 organizations while preserving operational privacy.

**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.

**Starkzap** is lowering the barrier to entry for blockchain development. The platform demonstrates how developers can quickly transform app ideas into functional onchain applications. This represents a significant shift in blockchain development accessibility. **Key points:** - Building consumer apps on Starknet has become straightforward - Developers can create virtually any application type - The platform abstracts away blockchain complexity - No deep technical blockchain knowledge required This development signals a maturation of blockchain infrastructure, where the underlying technology becomes invisible to both developers and end users. The focus shifts from technical implementation to actual user experience and functionality.

**Starkzap v2 is now live**, expanding beyond its initial social login, gasless transactions, and staking capabilities. The updated SDK now includes: - Bridging functionality - Token swaps - Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) - Lending and borrowing protocols - Confidential transfers **All features are integrated into one unified SDK**, building on the original Starkzap toolkit that included invisible wallets, paymasters, session keys, and mobile access. The platform aims to help developers build fully onchain applications while abstracting blockchain complexity and creating new revenue opportunities.