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

ZkProver · 2026-04-03T05:39:52+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

2026-04-03 05:39:52

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ChainCatcher message: Aztec Network, a privacy chain supported by a16z, has officially launched Alpha Network, becoming the first Ethereum Layer 2 with a complete private smart contract execution environment. It had previously received unanimous approval from community governance votes.

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

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

AZTEC3.75%

ETH0.98%

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