# ZEN By [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xa441bb79d80b849a94a7eff73cd32bf863f0dbea) ยท 2023-04-01 --- ZEN - The Privacy-Focused Cryptocurrency ZEN, or Horizen, is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that prioritizes anonymity and security. It is designed to be a fully decentralized and censorship-resistant platform that allows users to transact without revealing their identity or personal information. ZEN was launched in May 2017 as a fork of the ZClassic cryptocurrency. The platform is built on a unique architecture that combines both a public blockchain and a private sidechain. This allows for the creation of private and secure transactions, as well as the ability to switch between public and private modes depending on the user's needs. One of the main features of ZEN is its privacy-focused technology. The platform uses a unique technology called zk-SNARKs, which is also used by other privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Zcash. This technology allows for the creation of private transactions that do not reveal any personal information or transaction details to third parties. ZEN also has a strong focus on security. The platform uses a proof-of-work consensus algorithm, which means that the network is secured by miners who perform complex mathematical calculations to validate transactions. This makes the network resistant to attacks and ensures that transactions are secure and trustworthy. In addition to its privacy and security features, ZEN also has a strong community of developers and users. The platform has an active development team that is constantly working on new features and improvements, and there are several active community forums where users can discuss the platform and share information. Overall, ZEN is a powerful privacy-focused cryptocurrency that offers a unique combination of privacy, security, and decentralization. Its use of zk-SNARKs technology and proof-of-work consensus algorithm make it a reliable and trustworthy platform for users who prioritize privacy and security in their cryptocurrency transactions. --- *Originally published on [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xa441bb79d80b849a94a7eff73cd32bf863f0dbea/zen)*