Aztec Network launches Alpha mainnet, the first Ethereum L2 supporting privacy smart contracts

ZkProver · 2026-04-04T05:47:35+00:00

Aztec Network officially launches Alpha Network, becoming the first complete privacy smart contract execution environment on Ethereum Layer 2, integrating privacy data, identity, and computation. Although live, the team warns of known security vulnerabilities and advises users to exercise caution when depositing.

ZkProver

2026-04-04 05:47:35

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ChainCatcher message: Aztec Network, the privacy chain supported by a16z, has officially launched Alpha Network, becoming the first Ethereum Layer 2 with a complete private smart contract execution environment. Previously, it had already been unanimously approved by community governance voting.

Aztec integrates privacy across three layers: privacy data supports confidential transactions and RWA transfers; privacy identity enables selective disclosure to meet compliance needs; privacy computation hides on-chain activity, opening up space for private DeFi and gaming applications. The contracts are written in a Rust-style language called Noir; the privacy logic runs on the user side and generates zero-knowledge proofs, with settlement on Ethereum occurring approximately every 12 seconds.

However, this rollout comes with a major warning. Aztec disclosed known critical security vulnerabilities; the auditing work is still ongoing. The team advises users to only deposit funds they can afford to lose.

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