# Privacy Matters, 25

**Published by:** [Automata Network](https://paragraph.com/@automata-network/)
**Published on:** 2024-01-04
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@automata-network/privacy-matters-25

## Content

gm, readers. At Automata we work on protecting privacy and fairness. And in this newsletter, we find more reasons to talk about it. Explore headlines and catch up on the biggest crypto news in Web3 privacy. This week:Parallel Network launches as the first omnichain Layer 2 blockchain built on top of Arbitrum OrbitBlast surpasses $1.1 billion in deposits over a month ahead of its scheduled launchIOTA's ShimmerEVM bolsters cross-chain capabilities with LayerZero's technologyParticle Network introduces an Account Abstraction Protocol for BitcoinOrbit Chain’s bridge suffers a reported $81.5 million hackOp-Ed:Vitalik Buterin updates Ethereum roadmap for 2024 with minor changesOKX to delist multiple altcoins, including privacy coins Monero, Zcash, and DashSteamboat Willie NFT tops OpenSea charts as it enters public domainEtherscan acquires Solscan to expand blockchain data servicesZooming into ZK:zkSync outpaces Ethereum in monthly transaction volume, propelled by inscription activityMina plans to introduce fully ZK-enabled smart contracts on the mainnet in 2024SubscribeWe dive into the details, so you don’t have to: Particle Network, self-described as the "intent-centric modular access layer of Web3," has introduced BTC Connect, the first account abstraction protocol for Bitcoin. As an EVM-compatible protocol, BTC Connect leverages ERC-4337 design and Layer-2 EVM-compatible chains to offer features like Smart Accounts, Paymaster, Bundler, and a Bitcoin-specific Modal. The protocol aims to simplify building applications on Bitcoin by integrating existing BTC wallets with Layer-2 smart contracts. Particle Network @ParticleNtwrk Announcing the first account abstraction protocol for #Bitcoin! We are thrilled to unveil BTC Connect, an EVM-compatible AA protocol for developers building in the Bitcoin and Ordinal ecosystem. We've also assembled a world-class set of partners to help us in this mission. 361 10:13 PM • Dec 21, 2023 Following the latest Berkeley upgrade, Mina, a lightweight blockchain specializing in zero-knowledge proofs, wants to introduce fully ZK-enabled smart contracts on the mainnet in 2024. Mina's design aims to foster compatibility and collaboration with other Layer 1 chains, aiming to create a more interconnected Web3 ecosystem. Some initiatives Mina has accomplished include offering a TypeScript library which has facilitated the creation of many zkApps on its platform. o1Labs (httpz) @o1_labs Mina's journey from a crazy idea to a breakthrough L1 blockchain is going to hit a milestone in 2024 with the upcoming Berkeley upgrade! o1Labs CEO, @etekis, dives into this exciting development in our new blog post. So what’s all the buzz about? 300 1:37 PM • Jan 3, 2024 Parallel Network has announced its upcoming launch as the first chain within Arbitrum Orbit, a platform by Arbitrum that allows developers to create application-specific blockchains. It addresses key challenges in the current Layer 2 blockchain environment, such as bridging inefficiencies, liquidity fragmentation, and multi-wallet complexities. Parallel Network's core feature is its unified multi-chain margin accounts, enabling a singular wallet for all chains. This innovation aims to streamline liquidity management across different chains into a single, user-friendly platform. The network will also feature Parallel's DeFi and NFT super app, offering services like trading, staking, and lending with advanced features for privacy and security. Nirvana @nirvana_io 1/ Introducing Parallel Network Parallel is the first omni-chain L2 blockchain powered by @arbitrum that unifies liquidity from any chain into one place. One account. Instant liquidity. Across any chain. Learn more 500 10:03 PM • Dec 28, 2023 Connect with Automata on both X (Twitter) and Discord. This newsletter is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice or interpreted as investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are volatile assets and you should always do your own research before making any informed decisions when investing or trading.

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