Reve Image 1.0 delivers on realism and prompt fidelity

Codenamed ‘Halfmoon’, Reve Image 1.0 has emerged as a leading image generation model, outperforming Imagen3 and Recraft v3 in realism, prompt alignment, and text rendering. It supports a wide range of styles and handles detailed instructions with consistency. The model is currently free to use on Reve’s site, though future monetization via tokens has been hinted at.

DeepSeek V3-0324 improves math and front-end performance

DeepSeek has released an update to its V3 model (version 0324) on Hugging Face. Initially described as a minor update, the release has shown clear improvements in mathematical reasoning and front-end coding tasks. These gains have been noted by developers across social platforms. The update has helped renew interest in the DeepSeek model family.

Pluralis raises $7.6M to explore decentralized AI training

Pluralis Research has secured $7.6 million in seed funding to develop 'Protocol Learning,' a framework for distributed AI model training. The goal is to decentralize compute across a global network, reducing reliance on large tech platforms. The round was co-led by Union Square Ventures and CoinFund, with support from other backers.

Pluralis Research

@PluralisHQ

1/ We are excited to announce our $7.6M seed round led by @usv and @coinfund_io to make true open source AI a reality. Pluralis has a new approach - we're calling this Protocol Learning.

622

9:30 AM • Mar 19, 2025

Vibe coding sparks debate over AI-assisted software development

A discussion around 'vibe coding' has emerged, centered on AI tools that infer developer intent rather than relying on explicit instructions. Advocates highlight its potential to democratize coding and accelerate development workflows. Critics argue that it struggles with complexity, maintenance, and debugging.

OpenAI expands API with new speech models for voice agents

OpenAI has introduced three new audio models to its API, aimed at improving voice agent capabilities. The models include gpt-4o-mini-tts for expressive text-to-speech, and two transcription models optimized for accuracy in noisy settings and across accents. All three are integrated into the Agents SDK, streamlining development with minimal code.

Claude adds web search for real-time, verifiable answers

Anthropic has introduced web browsing to Claude, enabling real-time search capabilities within its chatbot. The feature is currently in preview for paid users in the US, with plans to expand to free users and additional regions. Responses now include inline citations to improve transparency and trust.

Google NotebookLM adds mind maps for better knowledge management

Google has updated NotebookLM with a new feature that generates mind maps from user notes, helping visualize and organize complex information. The update also brings support for content generation in multiple languages, broadening its accessibility. Early feedback highlights the feature’s utility in both educational and professional settings.

@aixbt_agent reportedly loses 55.5 ETH via Simulacrum exploit

aixbt_agent was reported to have transferred 55.5 ETH (≈$105,000) to an unknown user, possibly due to a vulnerability involving the Simulacrum system. Reactions across social platforms have ranged from critical to openly amused. The exact mechanism behind the loss is still being examined.

Naruto11.eth

@naruto11eth

crazy to see @aixbt_agent was tricked into sending 55.5 ETH to someone.

and then they say crypto x AI is the future.

33

9:42 AM • Mar 18, 2025

OpenAI releases o1-pro, drawing attention for performance and pricing

OpenAI has launched o1-pro, a new API model positioned for advanced reasoning tasks. Priced at $150 per million input tokens and $600 per million output tokens, the model has sparked debate around accessibility and cost. The release has added to ongoing discussions about sustainable AI pricing and openness.

xAI launches DeeperSearch to improve Grok’s query handling and reasoning

xAI has launched DeeperSearch, an updated version of its Grok chatbot’s search tool. The update is designed to handle more complex queries with faster and more accurate results, and includes real-time data integration. Minor UI inconsistencies have been noted, but overall, the tool marks a clear improvement over the original DeepSearch.

AWS cuts Trainium prices to challenge Nvidia in AI hardware

Amazon Web Services has reduced pricing for its Trainium chips, positioning them as a low-cost alternative to Nvidia’s H100. The chips are being offered at roughly 25% of the cost, with comparable performance. The move has sparked discussion around AWS's potential to disrupt Nvidia’s lead in the AI hardware market.

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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.

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.

Zooming into ZK:

• Polygon launches open-source ZK proving system 'Plonky3'

• Pixelverse integrates Pudgy Penguins character into Telegram mini-game

• Zcash community approves 20% block reward allocation for decentralized grants

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Polygon Labs has released its latest zero-knowledge proving system, "Plonky3," as an open-source toolkit under the MIT and Apache licenses. This new system aims to be more flexible than its predecessor, Plonky2, which was introduced in 2022. Plonky3 is designed to allow ZK developers to build their own virtual machines based on zero-knowledge cryptography, addressing performance and generality issues present in the previous version. The proving system plays a crucial role in zero-knowledge rollups by summarizing off-chain transactions and feeding the data back to Ethereum.

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.

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:

• Worldcoin Foundation unveils World Chain developer preview ahead of Mainnet launch

• Privado ID launches web wallet to revolutionize privacy and streamline user interactions

Op-Ed:

• Enhancing supply chain transparency with ZK Proofs

Conversations you’ve missed:

• =nil; Foundation's CPO Avi Zurlo discusses the significance of horizontal scaling for blockchain technology, specifically through zkSharding for Ethereum

Zooming into ZK:

• ZKM to launch Bitcoin Layer-2 GOAT Network with 5,000 BTC in commitments

• PancakeSwap announces 2.4M ZK token airdrop

• Starknet to launch staking on Mainnet in Q4 following Testnet debut

• Pudgy Penguins and Unstoppable Domains launch .pudgy domains for virtual world access

• Hinkal to launch 'Shared Privacy Protocol' for cross-chain anonymity staking in DeFi

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Interoperability protocol ZKM, co-founded by Metis co-founder Kevin Liu, announced plans to launch a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution called GOAT Network later in Q3. The network, which has already secured 5,000 BTC in commitments from institutional node operators, aims to be the first decentralized Bitcoin Layer 2 to share network ownership and fees. The project also plans to open a $5 million Series A fundraising round soon, with the goal of uniting fragmented liquidity across different blockchain ecosystems.

Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, announced at EthCC that Starknet plans to introduce staking by the end of 2024 through a Starknet Improvement Proposal (SNIP). If approved by the community, the staking feature will first be launched on the testnet, with a mainnet release scheduled for Q4. The staking protocol will allow Starknet tokenholders to participate in network activities, with responsibilities and rewards increasing over time. The initial rollout will involve running full nodes and adhering to staking rules, with subsequent stages requiring real-time attestations and proving activities to secure the network.

Hinkal, an institutional-grade self-custodial protocol, is preparing to launch its "Shared Privacy Protocol." Dubbed the 'EigenLayer for Privacy,' this protocol facilitates cross-chain privacy through anonymity staking. By pooling shielded liquidity across more than 200 layer 1 and layer 2 chains, Hinkal aims to address liquidity fragmentation in DeFi and promote discreet trading. Hinkal leverages ZK-proofs and stealth addresses to ensure compliant and confidential transactions on major Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains.

Hinkal

@hinkal_protocol

1/4: Starting off the new week with groundbreaking news!
We're excited to announce Hinkal's "Eigenlayer for Privacy"
Learn more: bit.ly/4cCVQHG

17

11:15 AM • Jul 8, 2024

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.

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:

• Wormhole receives $70,000 grant for WorldID verification on Solana

• Worldcoin recruits former Google and Apple executives to lead privacy initiatives

Zooming into ZK:

• Pi Squared secures $12.5M to pioneer universal ZK circuit with Proof of Proof technology

• StarkWare and Polygon achieve 100x speed increase with new STARK prover 'Stwo'

• zkSync rebrands to Elastic Chain to enhance scaling and interoperability

• Bitcoin Virtual Machine introduces BitZK for Ethereum-like scalability

• zkSync refutes insider minting allegations for Libertas Omnibus NFTs

• Aptos launches Aptos Connect, a keyless wallet application that users ZK-proofs for user verification

• ZERO Network by Zerion goes live on Testnet, Mainnet launch expected this year

• Astar Network plans to burn 350M ASTR tokens, 5% of total supply

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Researchers at StarkWare and Polygon have developed a new STARK prover, named Stwo, which promises to be 100 times faster than current STARK-based provers. Leveraging the eighth Mersenne prime (M31) for computations, Stwo enhances scalability, enabling quicker and cheaper proof generation and verification. This innovation, set to be implemented by 2025, will replace the existing Stone prover and benefit various proving systems, including Starknet and Plonky3.

StarkWare (BTCFi arc)

@StarkWareLtd

Our new prover Stwo just blew our mind

Here's a demo by @PapiniShahar and @EliBenSasson of our next-gen prover, Stwo, and its groundbreaking performance: proving 620,000 hashes per second using an M3 laptop!

This is x1000 better than our current prover, Stone, and is the

606

9:01 AM • Jul 1, 2024

ZK Sync has rebranded its Hyperchains to Elastic Chain, aligning with the recent ZKsync 3.0 network upgrade. The Elastic Chain aims to resolve liquidity fragmentation and improve user experience in multichain ecosystems by offering native, trust-minimized, and low-cost interoperability through recursive ZK proofs. The Elastic Chain network will utilize the newly launched ZK token for governance and transaction settlement, promising a streamlined and secure multichain experience, similar to emerging solutions like Polygon CDK and AggLayer.

The Bitcoin Virtual Machine (BVM) team has launched BitZK, a zero-knowledge proofs service designed to enhance Bitcoin's scalability by enabling roll-ups and migration of applications from Ethereum. This service addresses the increased on-chain activity spurred by protocols like Ordinals and Runes, which highlighted the need for effective Bitcoin scaling solutions. BitZK is the first service to bring Bitcoin ZK-rollups to Mainnet.

The Worldcoin Foundation has awarded a $70,000 grant to Wormhole to integrate WorldID verification on the Solana blockchain. This integration will enable Solana-based protocols to verify user IDs authenticated on Ethereum, enhancing cross-chain interoperability and security. The Wormhole state bridge service will monitor the World ID contract on Ethereum and securely transfer changes to Solana.

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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.

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:

• Worldcoin collaborates with Alchemy to enhance infrastructure for upcoming World Chain launch

• Worldcoin token surges 12% on legal wins in Ecuador expansion and Kenya investigation closure

• Chamber of Digital Commerce raises privacy concerns over IRS crypto tax form

• Internet Computer launches verifiable credentials to safeguard online identities and public discourse

Op-Ed:

• The illusion of privacy: Unpacking the risks of 'privacy-minded' CBDCs

Zooming into ZK:

• Aave DAO unanimously supports deployment on zkSync

• Light Protocol and Helius Labs unveils ‘ZK compression’ to boost Solana app scalability

• ZKsync announces 'Elastic Chain' architecture in 3.0 roadmap for seamless multi-chain interoperability, takes aim at Polygon’s AggLayer

• Polyhedra introduces 'D-Expander' to revolutionize ZK Proof efficiency

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Aleph Zero, a blockchain leveraging Polkadot's Substrate stack, has launched zkOS, an EVM-compatible privacy layer that swiftly generates zero-knowledge proofs in less than one second even on consumer devices. This innovation enables private transactions and dApp)interactions without exposing underlying data. Powered by Halo2 with KZG commitments for efficient proof generation, zkOS includes a zkToolkit to simplify integration for developers. Benchmark tests indicate zkOS can execute proofs in 600-800 milliseconds on MacBooks, highlighting its speed and accessibility.

Aleph Zero

@Aleph__Zero

We're launching the Aleph Zero EVM Testnet with ZK-privacy achievable in under a second on consumer-grade devices!

Over the last few months, we’ve been working on something unique in collaboration with @gelatonetwork, and utilizing the @arbitrum Orbit stack in addition to our

1,878

9:22 AM • Jun 20, 2024

Light Protocol and Helius Labs have also launched "ZK Compression" to enhance the scalability of Solana applications by using state compression to store data in Solana’s cheaper ledger space. This method significantly reduces storage costs, allowing for 100 compressed token accounts to cost around 0.000004 SOL, compared to the typical 0.2 SOL.

As part of its ZKsync 3.0 roadmap, ZKsync has introduced an "elastic chain" architecture, transitioning from a singular ZK rollup chain to a network of interoperable chains. This shift, initiated by the recent v24 upgrade, reconfigures ZKsync’s native bridge into a token vault to enhance connectivity among multiple ZK chains. Starting with ZKsync Era as the foundational layer, the network plans to incorporate over 20 chains by the end of 2024, using the ZK Stack software kit, streamlining interactions across chains through the Ethereum Multi-Chain Address (EMCA) standard.

Worldcoin has teamed up with Alchemy to bolster the infrastructure for its upcoming World Chain blockchain. This partnership grants World Chain developers access to Alchemy's extensive web3 development platform, encompassing core and data APIs, indexing solutions, and a suite of developer tools. Meanwhile, Worldcoin's WLD token surged by 12% to over $3 following positive regulatory developments. Kenya has concluded its investigation into Worldcoin's data collection practices, signaling a significant milestone.

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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.

Metadata

Aleph Zero launches zkOS for rapid ZK Proofs; Worldcoin and Alchemy partner for World Chain infrastructure. ZKsync 3.0 introduces Elastic Chain

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:

• Samourai wallet shutdown and legal implications for privacy tools

• Manta Network launches $50M ecosystem fund to boost ZK projects

Zooming into ZK:

• 41% of top zkSync airdrop wallets sell entire allocation, leading to significant price drop

• zkSync Era's airdrop fails to revive declining user activity and transactions

• zkSync token launches with $925M market cap amid network strain and security threats; Defends sybil measures amid airdrop controversy; Binance offers alternative distribution

• Ronin unveils zkEVM to scale Web3 gaming ecosystem, prepares for billions of transactions

Conversations you missed:

• Scaling Web3 social: Stani Kulechov on Lens Network's integration with ZKsync technology

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Ronin, the gaming blockchain developed by Sky Mavis for Axie Infinity, has announced the upcoming launch of Ronin zkEVM, a ZK Ethereum Virtual Machine Layer-2 chain using a modified version of the Polygon Chain Development Kit. This new zkEVM chain aims to handle billions of transactions, supporting a broader gaming ecosystem and facilitating game studio growth. With 1.4 million daily active addresses, Ronin plans to enhance scalability, enabling third-party builders to launch their own layer-2 blockchains.

Ronin

@Ronin_Network

BREAKING: LAYER 2 BLOCKCHAINS ARE COMING TO RONIN!

Introducing Ronin zkEVM

• In the near future, Ronin builders will be able to leverage the @0xPolygon Chain Development Kit (CDK) to create their own zkEVM layer 2 (L2) chains on Ronin and permissionlessly deploy their games

4,180

9:02 AM • Jun 18, 2024

In the aftermath of zkSync's ZK token launch on June 17 across major exchanges including Binance, Bybit, Gate.io, and KuCoin, blockchain analytics from Nansen indicate that 41% of the top 10,000 addresses promptly sold their entire ZK allocations, leading to a significant 34.5% price decline. Despite this sell-off, 30% of top wallets retained their tokens, while the token's market cap fell from $1.1 billion to approximately $772 million, with only 17.5% of its total supply currently circulating. Criticism of zkSync's airdrop criteria focused on perceived weaknesses in Sybil attack prevention.

The shutdown of Samourai Wallet, following the arrest of its founders for charges including money laundering and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, raises significant legal questions for the cryptocurrency sector. Known for its privacy-enhancing features like Ricochet and Whirlpool, Samourai Wallet's closure amid U.S. regulatory action underscores potential repercussions for other self-custodial tools. The case highlights debates over the definition of money transmission and the responsibilities of developers in facilitating privacy and anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions, amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny and enforcement efforts.

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.

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:

• EU law authorities highlight challenges posed by privacy coins, Layer-2 networks, and crypto mixers in tracking illicit assets

• Decentralized digital identity enhances privacy and security in Istanbul

• Former Coinbase Communications Head joins Worldcoin to spearhead global expansion and biometric innovation

• Ava protocol raises $10M to develop EigenLayer AVS for private autonomous transactions on Ethereum

Zooming into ZK:

• Privado ID expands privacy-focused self-sovereign identity solutions beyond Polygon network

• Proof of SQL, an open-source ZK-proof, revolutionizes real-time data processing

• zkSync faces criticism over alleged lack of sybil filtering in ZK token airdrop

• zkSync community alarmed by $3.5M gemholic rug-pull scam allegations

• zkSync unveils ZK Nation, a decentralized governance framework for community-led protocol evolution

• Taiko launches permissionless sequencing and proving on Ethereum Layer-2 Mainnet

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Privado ID, formerly Polygon ID, has spun off from Polygon Labs to offer its ZK self-sovereign identity solution beyond the Polygon network. This protocol-agnostic service enables users to control their identities and share only necessary information, enhancing privacy and security. With integration into Consensys' Linea zkEVM blockchain and proof-of-concept tests with major banks, Privado ID aims to support various blockchains while reducing trust and risk mitigation costs.

zkSync's ZK token airdrop has sparked controversy within the crypto community due to allegations of inadequate Sybil filtering. Polygon's Mudit Gupta criticized zkSync for what he deemed as the most "farmed airdrop ever," asserting that the distribution lacked effective anti-bot measures. Despite zkSync listing seven eligibility criteria aimed at preventing Sybil attacks, critics argue these are easily exploitable and insufficiently robust, leading to concerns over the fairness and integrity of the airdrop process.

ZK Nation

@TheZKNation

Thank you for all the feedback and discussions over the past few days.

In 2024, airdrops are extremely challenging. Sophisticated industrial farms operate millions of bots indistinguishable from real people in behavioral patterns. This renders traditional activity-based airdrops

3,347

5:17 PM • Jun 13, 2024

Nansen clarified its role, stating it provided data on wallet segments but did not perform anti-Sybil checks or advise on token allocations. Meanwhile, zkSync defended its approach, suggesting that stringent Sybil detection methods often exclude genuine users unfairly. As the controversy unfolded, estimates suggested significant quantities of ZK tokens could potentially end up in Sybil wallets, valued at millions of dollars, impacting token prices on the market.

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.

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:

• CBDC privacy concerns stifle progress, only 4 live among 167 initiatives

• Spain extends Worldcoin ban amid privacy concerns

Op-Ed:

• Unlocking privacy: ZK Proofs revolutionize EU's digital identity regulations

• Preserving privacy in crypto: Upholding a fundamental human right

Zooming into ZK:

• Matter Labs faces backlash over 'ZK' trademark attempt

• Polygon Labs acquires Toposware, boosting ZK tech investment to $1B

• StarkWare expands to Bitcoin with ZK scaling, launches $1M research fund

• Polyhedra adopts 'ZKJ' ticker amid clash with zkSync

• Mina's Mainnet upgrade paves the way for privacy applications on ZK rollups

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Matter Labs, the developer of the zkSync Era blockchain, faced significant backlash from other Ethereum layer-2 teams, including Polygon and Starkware, after attempting to trademark the term "ZK," which stands for "zero-knowledge" cryptography. This move was criticized as an attempt to claim ownership over a widely-used public good, contrary to the collaborative ethos of the crypto community. Matter Labs initially defended the trademark application as a measure to protect users, but following widespread criticism and accusations of acting against Web3 values, the company withdrew its application.

Matter Labs (∎, ∆)

@the_matter_labs

Thank you to everyone who reached out following our post, offering ideas, support, and feedback.

As a result of these conversations, we decided to drop all trademark applications for the term “ZK”.

These discussions came down to one important fact: it would be impossible to

3,232

2:05 PM • Jun 2, 2024

Mina, a ZK-focused blockchain, recently upgraded its mainnet with a new programmability layer, unlocking privacy application potentials. Renowned for its compact zk-SNARK proofs, enabling efficient off-chain computation and decentralized proof generation, this Berkeley upgrade emphasizes decentralization and scalability enhancements developed over three years. Mina's distributed computation approach explores Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and multi-party computation (MPC) alongside ZK technology to bolster privacy and security.

StarkWare, the developer behind Ethereum's Layer 2 Starknet, announced plans to extend its ZK scaling technology to Bitcoin, facilitated by the proposed OP_CAT upgrade. This initiative aims to scale Bitcoin to thousands of transactions per second without creating a new chain, using the existing Starknet network. StarkWare, valued at $8 billion, is launching a $1 million research fund to support Bitcoin scaling efforts and ensure the safe implementation of OP_CAT.

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.

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.

Op-Ed:

• Private stablecoins: The essential foundation for on-chain commerce in Web3

Zooming into ZK:

• ZKasino users granted 72 hours to reclaim $33M in Ether amidst controversy over conversion to ZKAS

• ENS proposes transformation into Layer 2 blockchain with potential ZK rollups integration

• Polygon Labs introduces pessimistic proofs via SP1 zkVM, enhancing cross-chain security and streamlining ZK development

• Polygon Labs co-founder Sandeep Nailwal takes on new role as CBO to advance ZK solutions

• StarkWare unveils ZKThreads to enhance dApp scalability and prevent fund lockups, averting FTX-like disasters

• Taiko, Ethereum Layer-2 rollup with ZK Proofs, goes live on Mainnet with Vitalik Buterin's inaugural block proposal

• Cysic secures $12M in Pre-A funding round for ZK hardware acceleration project

• Horizen Labs introduces ZkVerify, a dedicated network for ZK Proof verification

• Solana-based DEX Zeta markets announces ZX, a Layer-2 solution for trustless on-chain settlement

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

ZKasino has given its users a 72-hour window to retrieve their deposited ether (ETH) after a month-long wait. The on-chain casino, which received $33 million in ETH deposits from over 10,000 users last month, allows users to bridge back their ETH at a 1:1 ratio. However, users who choose to do so will forfeit their reward allocation. This decision follows backlash from users who were unaware that their deposits would be converted to ZKAS, the platform’s native token, instead of being returned as promised. The controversy intensified when on-chain data revealed that ZKasino had sent the $33 million to staking platform Lido.

Polygon Labs, in collaboration with Succinct Labs, has introduced a new type of ZK proof called pessimistic proofs, developed using the SP1 zkVM. These proofs enhance cross-chain security within the AggLayer network by ensuring that no single chain can compromise the deposits of others and that every chain truthfully produces its new state, verified by a ZK-proof or consensus mechanism. The integration of SP1 with Rust and Plonky3 simplifies ZK development, allowing developers to use standard languages without custom ZK circuits, thus speeding up development times.

Polygon

@0xPolygon

how do you ensure safety among chains connected to the AggLayer?

introducing the pessimistic proof, a novel zero-knowledge proof that is flexible enough to support both zk and non-zk chains

why pessimistic? because it treats every chain suspiciously

730

12:16 PM • May 28, 2024

StarkWare has unveiled ZKThreads, a new scaling framework aimed at preventing fund lockups and enhancing the scalability of dApps. Developed in collaboration with Cartridge, ZKThreads addresses fragmentation issues by providing a standardized environment for easily verified applications. This innovation builds upon StarkWare's vision of "fractal scaling," introducing a complementary approach to layer-based scaling in the blockchain space.

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.

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:

• Hong Kong orders Worldcoin to halt operations over privacy violations in iris and face data collection

• Vitalik Buterin transfers $300K in ETH to privacy protocol Railgun, continuing months-long engagement

• Vitalik Buterin proposes zero-knowledge 'likes' on Farcaster to combat preference falsification

• COTI V2 launches Testnet featuring 'garbled circuits' for enhanced privacy on Ethereum L2

Op-Ed:

• Mastering Bitcoin UTXO management: Maximizing efficiency and privacy in transactions

• Starknet unveils zkEVM, Kakarot

• On-Chain ads pave the way for enhanced privacy and user experience in Web3

Zooming into ZK:

• zkSync teases June airdrop with v24 upgrade and governance handover

• Taiko announces genesis airdrop, distributing 5% of tokens ahead of Mainnet launch

• IEEE awards Zerocash white paper for groundbreaking impact on blockchain privacy with ZK-proofs

• Common launches privacy-enhanced AMM on multi-chain DeFi suite built on Aleph Zero

• Cronos zkEVM Testnet upgraded to Tethys ahead of Mainnet launch

• Mintlayer and Salus collaborate on Thunder Network, a Layer-3 ZK rollup for Bitcoin

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced support for X’s decision to make "likes" private, suggesting the implementation of zero-knowledge (ZK) likes on Farcaster to combat preference falsification. Buterin's proposal aligns with Farcaster's ethos of user privacy and autonomy, advocating for the use of ZK technology from Zupoll for anonymous voting. The move towards private likes was confirmed by X engineer Haofei, who cited the incentive for genuine engagement and protection against social pressure as key reasons. Community responses varied, with some suggesting extending privacy measures to other social features.

https://warpcast.com/vitalik.eth/0x79dae76e

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has awarded the "Zerocash: Decentralized Anonymous Payments from Bitcoin" white paper, published in 2014, with the "Test of Time" award at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy. This paper laid the groundwork for the practical use of ZK-proofs in cryptocurrency, notably introducing Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (zk-SNARKS) for a private payment protocol called Zerocash.

Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has ordered Worldcoin to cease operations in the region, citing violations of local privacy regulations. The investigation, which included 10 covert visits to six Worldcoin locations, concluded that the collection of face and iris images from over 8,300 individuals was unnecessary and excessive. The enforcement notice demands an immediate halt to all iris and facial image scanning activities in Hong Kong.

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.

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:

• Humanity Protocol secures $30M funding to challenge Worldcoin with decentralized identification

• Worldcoin Foundation introduces open source 'secure Multi-Party Computation' system for enhanced data protection

Zooming into ZK:

• Lens Network migrates to zkSync for scalable Web3 social infrastructure

• ZK project Hylé secures $2.6M in funding led by Framework Ventures

• Pudgy Penguins achieves milestone with 1M plush units sold in under a year

• ZK Proofs and decentralized identity systems enhancing privacy protocols in the face of regulatory pressure

• Starknet AI models verify complex computations with ZK Proofs

• Hope rises as $20M returns to ZKasino multisig amid exit scam accusations

• Lens Protocol ventures beyond Polygon, introducing Lens Network with zkSync for enhanced social experience

• Hylé secures $2.6M led by Framework for ZK Proof verification blockchain

• Gateway.fm introduces Node-as-a-Service (NaaS) solution for simplified node management

• Arcium raises $5.5M for parallelized confidential computing network

Op-Ed:

• Understanding Ethereum Rollups: The differences between Optimistic and Zero-Knowledge rollups

• Blockchain: The solution to AI's monopoly on power and privacy

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

The Worldcoin Foundation unveiled its novel Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) system, emphasizing a new benchmark for data protection, particularly regarding biometric data, with the system now open-sourced on GitHub for universal access. This system represents a significant stride in safeguarding sensitive information, as evidenced by the migration of iris codes to the SMPC framework, resulting in the secure deletion of the previous uniqueness-checking system.

World Foundation

@worldcoinfnd

1/ The Worldcoin Foundation is proud to launch and open source a new SMPC system for increased user privacy!

world.org

World Foundation unveils new SMPC system, deletes old iris codes

The new, state of the art SMPC system has enabled World to securely delete its previous iris code system, including old iris codes.

318

8:00 AM • May 15, 2024

Starknet, Ethereum's Layer-2 blockchain, is preparing to introduce AI agents capable of autonomously executing on-chain tasks like yield optimization and portfolio management. Spearheaded by Giza, a firm dedicated to integrating AI into blockchains, these agents are set to debut on Starknet by the end of June. Utilizing the Starknet programming language Cairo, the AI models are designed to verify intricate computations using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK-proofs) developed by StarkWare. These ZK-proofs ensure privacy while authenticating information, offering a secure environment for users to interact with AI-driven smart contracts.

Lens, a project overseen by Stani Kulechov, is launching its own blockchain network, Lens Network, under the umbrella of Avara. Built on Matter Labs' ZK Stack, the network will roll out in phases, starting with a Validium phase using ZK compression techniques on Ethereum, ensuring data accessibility, and progressing to separate Validium chains to support various social network use cases. The final phase, Volition network, will combine rollups and Validium for enhanced security and flexibility.

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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.

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:

• Vitalik reshares post on Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) amidst growing interest

• US Senators and FBI display understanding and openness to crypto privacy, says Railgun contributor

• MetaMask unveils 'Smart Transactions' to tackle Ethereum front-running and bolster privacy

Zooming into ZK:

• Researcher 0x1cc introduces a method to break down ZK proofs and FHE tasks into smaller subtasks for enhanced efficiency and reliability

• Polyhedra launches open-sourced ZK proof system, Expander, for rapid generation of ZK proofs

• Alchemy announces support for zkSync

• Polygon launches Miden Alpha Testnet

• ZkSnack shuts down Coinjoin service amid U.S. regulatory pressure

• LocalMonero ends P2P exchange operations after seven years amid market shifts

• ZKM secures $5M funding for Bitcoin-based Layer 2 launch

• Telos secures $1M investment from Presto Labs for SNARKtor-powered Ethereum Layer 2 zkEVM network

• Founders Fund leads $13.2M seed round for Lagrange Labs, specializing in Ethereum's EigenLayer restaking platform and ZK proofs

• Silent Protocol unveils Ghost Layer, the world’s first Layer 1.5 for Ethereum, using ZK and 0VM technology

• ZKM completes $5M pre-A funding round to launch Bitcoin Layer 2

• Morph launches Holesky Testnet for optimistic zkEVM Ethereum Layer 2

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Polygon has launched Miden Alpha Testnet, a zero-knowledge rollup solution to enhance privacy and throughput on Ethereum's Layer-2. Miden enables users to generate proofs for state transitions without revealing their state, ensuring transaction privacy. Key features include private account and note creation, parallel transaction execution, and client-side proving. The testnet provides three smart contract types, including a basic wallet and faucet contracts. Miden joins competitors like StarkWare and Matter Labs' zkSync in the race to innovate blockchain scaling.

MetaMask, the prominent Ethereum wallet, launches "Smart Transactions" to combat maximal extractable value (MEV) and enhance user privacy. This feature enables users to submit transactions to a virtual mempool before confirming them on-chain, reducing fees and protecting against MEV strategies. By leveraging operators like builders and searchers, MetaMask ensures fair transaction execution and streamlines tracking within the wallet interface. This initiative underscores MetaMask's commitment to improving transaction efficiency and privacy on Ethereum, setting the stage for future advancements in DeFi.

MetaMask.eth 🦊

@MetaMask

Failed transactions are costly and stressful. We want to make web3 as stress-free as possible.

Introducing Smart Transactions: A new feature that protects you from harmful forms of MEV and greatly reduces costly on-chain failures

788

12:22 PM • May 6, 2024

zkSNACKs is discontinuing its CoinJoin coordination service, citing regulatory uncertainties in the US. Max Hillebrand, the CEO, views this as a significant setback for Bitcoin's privacy. However, Wasabi Wallet, incorporating CoinJoin, will continue as a regular Bitcoin wallet. The closure affects services like Trezor Suite and BTCPayServer. Hillebrand highlights CoinJoin's unmatched privacy but expresses concern over potential future crackdowns on privacy protocols.

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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.

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:

• Monero plummeting against Bitcoin amid regulatory pressure; Developers push for enhanced privacy measures

• DOJ's opposition to Tornado Cash case signals disdain for privacy, legal expert warns

• Nym and Aleo partner to enhance privacy with Layer-0 Mixnet integration

Zooming into ZK:

• Vitalik Buterin introduces Binius, a new approach to efficient ZK Proofs

• Blade Games secures $2.4M seed round led by PTC Crypto and IOSG Ventures to develop modular ZK game engine

• zkSNACKs implements indefinite ban on U.S. users for Wasabi Wallet and related services

• Son of Anthony Scaramucci leads $1.4M funding round for ZK protocol startup Hinkal, valued at $70M

• Avail's Data Availability integration set to boost scalability for Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, StarkWare, and zkSync

• Aligned Layer secures $20M to enhance ZK proofs on Ethereum

• Chinese police apprehend suspect in StarkNet airdrop identity forgery case

• Telos Foundation Executive foresees ChatGPT moment for ZK systems amid continued development and adoption efforts

• Alchemy enhances development capabilities with zkSync support

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

In a recent blog post, Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, discusses Binius, a novel cryptographic proving system aimed at enhancing the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs. Unlike STARKs, Binius operates directly over binary code, utilizing multilinear polynomials to conduct cryptographic proofs. By treating data as a hypercube and grid, Binius converts individual values into bits and performs computations to produce an output matrix. This innovative approach seeks to streamline the verification process by enabling more efficient computations. Buterin emphasizes the importance of exploring advancements in ZK-proving, indicating ongoing innovation in the field.

vitalik.eth

@VitalikButerin

BInius: highly efficient proofs over binary fields

vitalik.eth.limo/general/2024/0…

3,776

6:46 AM • Apr 29, 2024

Elsewhere, zkSNACKs, the company behind the privacy-oriented Bitcoin wallet Wasabi Wallet, has announced an indefinite ban on users from the United States due to regulatory uncertainty. This decision comes in the wake of recent arrests of founders of other privacy-focused wallets like Samourai Wallet and Tornado Cash, amidst concerns raised by U.S. authorities regarding the potential for money laundering through such platforms. The ban extends to visiting websites, downloading, and using Wasabi Wallet.

Five prominent Layer 2 projects - Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, StarkWare, and zkSync - are joining forces with Avail to integrate its data availability architecture, a move anticipated to boost scalability and efficiency for developers. Led by former Polygon co-founder Anurag Arjun, Avail's data availability layer (DA) ensures secure and transparent access to transaction data, crucial for maintaining transaction integrity and security. The integration efforts, spanning core contributors and frameworks like OP Labs for Optimism, Orbit chain builders for Arbitrum, the Polygon Chain Development Kit, StarkNet-powered Madera rollup framework, and zkSync's ZK Stack, signify a collective effort to address blockchain's data availability challenges.

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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.

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:

• DOJ arrests privacy-focused Samourai wallet founders over alleged money laundering and unlicensed money transmission

• Nym partners with Aleo to enhance privacy for on-chain transactions

• 
  

Zooming into ZK:

• Scroll launches loyalty program

• Matter Labs publishes a paper on Prooφ, a mechanism design for prover fee markets on ZK-rollups

• Avnu launches Paymaster feature on Starknet

• Mina Foundation announces plans to integrate Celestia’s Data Availability (DA) layer

• Telos partners with Ponos to develop a hardware-accelerated zkEVM layer

• RISC Zero launches R0 zkVM 1.0, a production-ready general purpose zkEVM

• Coinbase executive joins Matter Labs to lead zkSync development

• ZKasino launch sparks controversy as $33M in investments redirected to Lido

• Vitalik Buterin criticizes ZKasino for misusing 'zero-knowledge' in $33M scam

• Nym Technologies partners with Liquid Federation to enhance Bitcoin Layer-2 privacy and security

• Nodle's DePIN launches on zkSync Era for media authentication

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has arrested the CEO, Keonne Rodriguez, and CTO, William Lonergan Hill, of Samourai Wallet, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency wallet, alleging it operated as a "cryptocurrency mixing service" facilitating criminal activity. Founded in 2015, Samourai Wallet offered privacy-enhancing features to obscure fund sources. The DOJ claims the platform enabled unlawful transactions exceeding $2 billion and laundered over $100 million in criminal proceeds. This arrest highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of privacy-enhancing tools in the cryptocurrency space.

The launch of ZKasino, a decentralized gambling network, caused outrage among investors when developers suddenly changed plans, preventing Ether redemption for users. Despite raising $33 million from over 10,000 participants, the funds were redirected to Lido, with the platform citing "noise and FUD" as reasons. Investors are concerned about a potential rug pull and seek accountability as the founder's personal information circulates online. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin criticized ZKasino for misusing the term "Zero-Knowledge (ZK)", emphasizing that its only ZK connection is through zkSync and warning about the term's misuse by fraudulent entities.

ZKasino

@ZKasino_io

A lot of FUD going around.

The ZKasino network will still go live, it has been delayed due to exchange listings.

423

8:04 AM • Apr 20, 2024

Nodle's smartphone-based DePIN, which powers applications for authenticating media content and locating assets, is launching on zkSync Era. The first initiative will introduce the ‘Click’ camera app as the world's first digital trust network, leveraging blockchain to combat misinformation. Nodle, originally based on Stellar and later on Polkadot, sees this move as a significant advancement in using blockchain technology for media authentication.

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.

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:

• a16z shares field notes from ZK Summit 2024

• Worldcoin announces its own Layer-2, World Chain

• Railgun token (RAIL) surges as Vitalik Buterin shows supports for its privacy pools protocol in an X post

• FLock partners with IO.Net to bolster privacy-focused decentralized AI training

• MIT and Deutsche Bundesbank collaborate on researching privacy in CBDCs

• RBA study finds limited public support for retail CBDC due to privacy and safety concerns

Zooming into ZK:

• L2O Consortium launches to set standards for zk-rollups, zkVMs, or zkEVMs to be trustlessly deployed on Bitcoin

• Masa rolls out Mainnet for AI data network and marketplace

• Scroll introduces blobs with the Bernoulli Upgrade

• RISC Zero announces the launch of its general-purpose R0 zkVM

• Nebra secures $4.5M in seed funding for ZKP tech, co-led by Nascent and Bankless

• Ernst & Young adopts Ethereum with ZK-Proofs for automated contract management

• Nebra secures $4.5M funding for 'Universal Proof Aggregation' protocol development

• Polyhedra and Google Cloud collaborate to offer 'ZK-as-a-Service' with 'Proof Cloud’

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Ernst & Young (EY) introduces EY OpsChain Contract Manager (OCM), an Ethereum-based solution leveraging zero-knowledge proofs to streamline complex contract execution for private businesses. This Ethereum-powered platform facilitates various agreements, including purchase contracts, rate cards, volume discounts, rebates, and strike prices, ensuring timely, confidential, and cost-effective transactions. EY's choice of Ethereum over a private network aims to maintain fairness between parties and safeguard sensitive business data.

Polyhedra Network and Google Cloud join forces to enable developers with zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs through the "Proof Cloud" platform. Utilizing the Blockchain Node Engine, the partnership aims to streamline ZK workloads for blockchain applications. This collaboration could pave the way for advancements in privacy-preserving machine learning, leveraging Google Cloud's Vertex AI for enhanced features in ZK machine learning applications. To date, Polyhedra's Proof Cloud has successfully completed over 40 million ZK proof tasks, including support for zkBridge.

Polyhedra

@PolyhedraZK

Big news!

@PolyhedraZK & @googlecloud are joining forces to bring ZK proofs to developers. With the power of the Blockchain Node Engine, we're streamlining ZK workloads for blockchain operations.

Coupled with our Proof Cloud, we're set to revolutionize ZK proof generation.

350

3:03 AM • Apr 17, 2024

QED Protocol, in collaboration with StarkWare, zkLink, Mina Protocol, and O(1) Labs, announces the formation of the L2O Consortium. This consortium aims to enhance Bitcoin's native security, scalability, and interoperability by developing reference implementations, tools, and resources for decentralized applications (dApps) and Layer-2 solutions. The initiative seeks to enable trustless interoperability between applications on Bitcoin, bridging technical gaps with ordinals and zero-knowledge proofs to facilitate smart contract-like functionality.

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.

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:

• Puffer launches public testnet for its Secure-Signer technology

• CertiK cautions that hackers could carry out a remote code execution (RCE) attack via Telegram's media processing

• Worldcoin enhances privacy measures, introduces unverification of World IDs

• Astria publishes proposal to integrate the Astria Sequencing Layer on Aztec

Zooming into ZK:

• zkSync’s ZK stack now supports Validium Mode

• The first STARK proof gets verified on Starknet

• Manta launches AI toolkit on the Pacific L2

• a16z announces Jolt zkVM for more efficient proof generation methods in blockchain

• Circle brings USDC on Ethereum to zkSync

• "MetalCore" debuts on Immutable zkEVM blockchain

• Alpen Labs emerges from stealth with $10.6M funding to scale Bitcoin using ZK proofs

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Worldcoin is rolling out new features to bolster privacy and refine age verification. These updates enable users to unverify their World IDs by permanently deleting iris codes and implement in-person age verification checks. Users can now opt to unverify their World IDs, which authenticate humanness through iris scanning. This process involves the permanent deletion of the iris code, ensuring each individual can only have one verified World ID. After requesting deletion, a six-month "cool-off" period prevents immediate re-verification, with the iris code irretrievably deleted at the end.

Jolt, a zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM), aims to streamline verifiable computing by addressing performance and complexity challenges. Developed by the a16z crypto engineering team, Jolt offers over 5x faster implementation than RISC Zero and up to 2x faster than SP1, making it ideal for blockchain applications. With a concise codebase under 25,000 lines of Rust, Jolt enables developers to write programs in high-level languages without intricate knowledge of circuit DSLs like Circom.

a16z crypto

@a16zcrypto

Yesterday, a16z crypto research and engineering teams released an initial implementation of Jolt, a new approach to SNARK design that is already up to 2x faster than the state of the art, with more improvements still to come.

Learn more about Jolt: a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/…

27

5:10 PM • Apr 10, 2024

Alpen Labs, a Bitcoin layer-2 developer, secures $10.6 million in funding to leverage zero-knowledge proofs for blockchain scaling. Emerging from stealth mode, the company spent the past year crafting Bitcoin rollup infrastructure to introduce smart contract capabilities. ZK proofs facilitate secure and swift data transfer, crucial for scaling blockchains through rollups. Alpen Labs' focus on rollup technology aligns with the industry trend to enhance blockchain efficiency and reduce costs. While Bitcoin traditionally prioritized network simplicity for security, recent developments like the Ordinals protocol and BitVM indicate growing interest in expanding Bitcoin's functionality.

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.

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:

• Rivalz Network launches an AI DePIN RollApp on Dymension

• Fire announces the sunsetting of its transaction simulator browser extension

• Cross-chain swap protocol Gasp (formerly Mangata Finance) raises $5 million in anticipation of its testnet launch as an EigenLayer Actively Validated Service (AVS)

• Fhenix teams up with EigenLayer to advance FHE coprocessors to empower encrypted data computing

• Avail collaborates with dWallet to introduce programmable Bitcoin to Web3 rollups

• DePin protocol by peaq readies for Mainnet debut as token offering looms

• Google's display of Bitcoin wallet balances ignites privacy concerns

• Worldcoin earns praise from Vitalik Buterin for addressing data privacy amid regulatory scrutiny

Op-Ed:

• Rapid growth of generative AI raises privacy concerns

Zooming into ZK:

• Zircuit launches Build to Earn program to reward ecosystem builders

• Polyhedra announces trustless, cross-chain Bitcoin token swaps with its zkBridge architecture

• Kelp DAO introduces natively restaked ETH on Scroll

• Layer N and Modulus launches AI Functions for enhanced application capabilities

• Zircuit unveils ‘Build to Earn’ initiative, rewarding developers for innovation

• Starknet aims to boost throughput with parallel transaction processing

• Horizen's Proof Verification Chain enters testing phase on Testnet

• GnosisDAO backs proposal for 'Hashi' integration to strengthen security in Gnosis chain canonical bridges

Conversations you missed:

• zkSync founder hails ZK Proofs as 'endgame' for blockchain scaling

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Google has expanded its search capabilities to display cryptocurrency wallet balances across multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, sparking a debate around privacy and centralization concerns. While some view this integration of on-chain data into Google's extensive search platform as a step toward mainstream crypto adoption, privacy-centric Bitcoin supporters have raised concerns about the centralized aggregation of such information by a tech giant like Google.

Fhenix, an Ethereum Layer-2 platform pioneering fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) in smart contracts, has disclosed its collaboration with EigenLayer to develop FHE coprocessors. These coprocessors, akin to ZK counterparts, specialize in analyzing encrypted data directly, enhancing on-chain performance while preserving privacy. Leveraging FHE coprocessors enables efficient execution of sensitive tasks without exposing personal information, unlocking new blockchain use cases. Secured by Fhenix's FHE rollup and EigenLayer's staking mechanism, they ensure economic correctness and faster confirmation times by eliminating the need for a fraud-proof period.

Fhenix

@fhenix

Fhenix ️ EigenLayer

We're thrilled to announce an engineering partnership with @eigenlayer to develop a novel #FHE coprocessor architecture.

Together, we are pioneering a new way for blockchains to incorporate FHE-enabled onchain confidential computing. By combining the

815

10:09 AM • Apr 2, 2024

The Horizen blockchain team has rolled out its "proof verification chain" to testnet, positioning it as the latest addition to their modular blockchain stack. This network facilitates the exchange of $ZEN (Horizen’s native token) and verification of FFLONK Proofs from Polygon zkEVM instances. Integral features include a user-friendly proof submission interface enabling ZK rollups to seamlessly submit proofs for verification and an attestation mechanism published on Ethereum, enhancing transparency by validating proofs.

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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.

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:

• Worldcoin open sources core components of the Orb’s software

• Munchables suffered a $62 million hack which was subsequently recovered

• Near launches Chain Signatures to sign transactions on supported blockchains

Zooming into ZK:

• zkSync marks the first anniversary of its mainnet launch

• Polygon zkEVM resumes operations after experiencing issues with its sequencer

• Celestia proposes incorporating SNARK accounts into the base layer

• Succint Labs, a startup dedicated to democratizing zero-knowledge proofs, announces a $55 million fundraising round

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Munchables, a gaming platform on the Blast Layer 2, recently announced the recovery of $62 million in Ethereum (ETH) to a multisig wallet following a significant loss attributed to unauthorized transactions. The breach was facilitated by smart contract permissions that allowed a developer to freely transfer funds, which were exploited. Subsequently, Munchables reported that the developer had returned the private keys to the wallet containing the platform's assets.

Pacman | Blur + Blast

@PacmanBlur

$97m has been secured in a multisig by Blast core contributors. Took an incredible lift in the background but I’m grateful the ex munchables dev opted to return all funds in the end without any ransom required. @_munchables_ and protocols integrating with it like @juice_finance

2,102

1:21 AM • Mar 27, 2024

Near’s Chain Signatures facilitates cross-blockchain transactions by allowing NEAR accounts and smart contracts to sign transactions for multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cosmos chains, DogeCoin, and XRP Ledger, with plans to extend support to Solana, TON Network, Polkadot, and more. This feature leverages a decentralized Multi-Party Computation (MPC) network, bolstered by NEAR staking and Eigenlayer ETH restakers, to ensure secure transactions across different blockchains without imposing additional management burdens on users.

A proposal was raised to integrate SNARK accounts into Celestia's base layer to enhance interoperability between Celestia and various rollups, focusing on improving transaction interoperability and security. By incorporating SNARK accounts, users can seamlessly deposit and withdraw TIA between Celestia and rollups, ensuring a secure and efficient transaction process.

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.

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:

• Obscuro Labs, developer of Ethereum Layer 2 TEN (The Encrypted Network) raises $9 million in a funding round

• Metis launches Alpha Version of Decentralized Sequencer

• EigenLayer announces gradual mainnet rollout

Zooming into ZK:

• Space and Time collaborates with zkSync to launch a verifiable compute layer on a zkSync hyperchain

• Polyhedra Network closes $20 million funding round led by Polychain Capital

• Citrea open-sources BitVM ZK (Groth16) Verifier

• Manta launches Restaking Paradigm for LRTs

• Swell announces zkEVM Layer 2 for restaking

• Libre launches a zk Layer-2 chain for institutions to tokenize alternative assets

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

EigenLayer’s mainnet is set to be launched soon, as the protocol emphasized a phased approach to ensure security and optimal performance. The process begins with a final testnet phase, moving from the Goerli chain to Holesky due to support changes, involving over 6,000 operators in testing. Following this, there will be a temporary pause of the EigenLayer webapp and contracts to manage deployment and operator onboarding smoothly. The completion of the mainnet launch will pave the way for a growing ecosystem of Actively Validated Services (AVS), with more teams expected to deploy innovative solutions on the EigenLayer mainnet.

Citrea’s open-sourced its BitVM ZK Verifier, which includes a complete flow from generating a ZK proof to creating a verifier in the current WIP BitVM instruction set. The project aims to enable the verification of anything on Bitcoin through the use of zero-knowledge proofs. Eventually, Citrea aims to open-source two more components, the BitVM-based bridge program and a full node implementation.

Libre has launched as a specialized Layer 2 blockchain, focused on tokenization and built using Polygon's CDK. It aims to facilitate the compliant tokenization of assets for institutional use, enhancing capital efficiency. The platform's design as an application-specific blockchain allows it to dedicate its resources to the tokenization of financial assets, making transactions more economically viable and efficient.

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.

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:

• Zama raises $73 million in funding to develop applications based on fully homomorphic encryption (FHE)

• Spanish regulators issued a temporary order to ban Worldcoin from collecting and processing data for three months

• WOOFi suffers an $8.75 million hack via a flash loan exploit

• Fairblock launches FairyRing public testnet for Cosmos developers to test integrations for programmable privacy in their application logic

• New study by Aleo reveals lack of trust in crypto projects despite demand for data privacy

Zooming into ZK:

• Prom launches a zkEVM L2 solution to enable interoperability across both EVM and non-EVM compatible blockchains

Conversations you missed:

• zkLink hosts Community Townhall to discuss about zkLink Nova

We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:

Zama, backed by Multicoin Capital and Protocol Labs, secured $73 million to advance its Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) technology, allowing for data processing without decryption. Zama’s CTO Pascal Paillier compared FHE to a magical box, where data remains encrypted yet accessible for computation without exposure. Their goal is to democratize FHE usage through user-friendly tools, enabling confidential smart contracts without compromising transparency.

Zama

@zama_fhe

We're thrilled to announce our $73 million Series A funding, led by @protocollabs and @multicoincap, to bring FHE to the fore, and give developers tools to tackle data privacy challenges across blockchain and AI use cases.

Read more @TechCrunch

techcrunch.com/2024/03/07/zam…

1,007

7:13 AM • Mar 7, 2024

The Spanish data protection agency, AEPD, has temporarily suspended Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project co-founded by Sam Altman, due to concerns over data privacy infringements. AEPD alleges that Worldcoin's parent company, Tools for Humanity Corporation, collected insufficient information and data from minors without proper consent, among other violations. Worldcoin contests these claims, stating compliance with GDPR regulations and ongoing communication with supervisory authorities.

A new study by Aleo reveals a lack of trust in crypto firms despite consumer demand for data protection. Two-thirds of respondents expressed willingness to switch to products offering data security, yet only 10% showed significant trust in crypto companies. Aleo's Executive noted the irony of this situation, given blockchain's potential to enhance privacy and security. The study was conducted with 2,200 participants in October 2023.

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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.